SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE ON AFRICA INDUSTRIALIZATION DAY

20 Nov 2021

SECRETARY-GENERAL’S MESSAGE ON AFRICA INDUSTRIALIZATION DAY

New York, 20 November 2021

The COVID-19 crisis continues to deeply affect economies and societies everywhere.

At the same time, investment in pandemic recovery is a generational opportunity
for bold transformation and accelerated progress towards realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities and building climate resilience.

Prospects for the prosperity of the African continent are anchored in expanding opportunities for women and girls, investing in young people, advancing agro-industrial transformation and green industrialization through technology transfer, innovation and partnerships, and full implementation of the Continental Free Trade Agreement. 

Inclusive and sustainable industrial development and economic diversification promote growth and development through self-reliance and reduce dependence in a globalized economy.  It is especially crucial in a world where solidarity is in short supply
and global challenges loom large – from vaccine inequity to the digital divide.

On Africa Industrialization Day, I reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations
to work with the leaders and people of Africa in making inclusive and sustainable industrialization an effective pathway to a prosperous and peaceful continent.