Previous Story
UN Secretary-General call up on Africa Leaders to Trend on Economic Growth that will Benefit the People and the Planet
Posted On 24 Nov 2019
Comment: 0
By Abdul Rahman Suagibu –
NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS, Freetown, Sierra Leone- In a not too distant Future, to put into practice an historic free trade agreement, the UN Chief beckons leaders of the Africa continent; to pursue economic growth that benefits both people and the planet.
António Guterres made the appeal in his message for Africa Industrialization Day, observed annually on 20th November, every year.
The UN Secretary-General said, industrial development is “of critical importance” for sustained and inclusive economic growth in African countries.
Since manufacturing on the continent has been rapidly growing as expected than the world average, he said it is of the essence to expedite it.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement is expected to usher in a market of least $3 trillion and a consumer base of more than one billion. At the same time, the manufacturing sector is projected to double by 2025, creating millions of jobs.
“I call on African countries to adopt a holistic approach to industrial policy, pursuing, through stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships, green and clean industrialization strategies that promote equitable economic opportunities and take into account the urgency of addressing the climate crisis,” said Mr. Guterres.
The UN Chief emphasized international commitment to Africa’s sustainable development, with the UN General Assembly disclosing the period from 2016-2025 the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa.
Thus, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will increase the size of technical assistance to countries on the continent.
The agency also will partner with other UN entities on initiatives in areas such as technology transfer, agribusiness value chain development, renewable energy and development of special economic zones and industrial parks.
For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Suagibu Reports, Africa Correspondent
www.newafricadailynews.com
