[UNECA] Expert Group Meeting on the Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2016
Experts gathered in Addis Ababa, on 14-15 January 2016, at the United Nations Conference Centre, to review the upcoming 2016 edition of the Economic Report on Africa, entitled 'Greening Africa's Industrialization'.
The 2016 edition of the Economic Report on Africa (ERA 2016) builds on the key messages of the previous editions of ERA, putting emphasis on industrialization and structural transformation. It focuses on greening industrialization and highlights potential sustainable and people-centred industrialization paths. Given the impacts of climate change, resource scarcities and environmental degradation, measures for de-risking Africa's development are critical. The form and pattern of Africa's industrialization, shaped by its abundant natural resources especially water and renewable energy sources, are discussed within the scale and scope that tackles inequality and promotes inclusivity.
The report employs a value chain approach in analysing the decoupling needs of key economic sectors towards low carbon intensive economic growth in Africa. Country case studies are used in demonstrating ongoing greening activities across key sectors. The findings of these studies are supported with modeling of future development scenarios under 'Business-as Usual' and greening to demonstrate the additionality of greening policies and investments in making a business case to support the industrialization and transformation momentum in the continent's development agenda. The report will therefore provide evidence based information to policymakers and other stakeholders on greening Africa's industrialization to promote inclusive green structural transformation on the continent.
The meeting was attended by policy makers, representatives of African Governments, civil society, private sector, think tanks, research institutions and regional and multilateral organizations.
The report will be officially launched during the Conference of African Ministers of Finance and Economic Development in Addis Ababa end of March 2016.
