UNIS/SGSM/1455
15 November 2024
On Africa Industrialization Day, we celebrate the inspiring progress and economic growth the continent has achieved over the decades.
From the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to the continent’s young, innovative and entrepreneurial population, to Africa’s growing leadership in renewable energy, Africa is fast-becoming an integrated global economic force across diverse sectors.
This year’s theme emphasizes the enormous potential of emerging technologies — especially artificial intelligence — to power African growth in green manufacturing.
Artificial intelligence can sharpen the continent’s competitive edge in green manufacturing — boosting productivity, job-creation and African prosperity — while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In September, leaders adopted the Global Digital Compact to enhance global cooperation and capacity-building in groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence. The Compact includes the first truly universal agreement on the international governance of artificial intelligence to give every country a seat at the AI table. It also highlights how digital public infrastructure — like digital payment systems — can boost economic activity and regional integration.
I urge Africa to seize this opportunity to harness the transformative potential of technology, and drive inclusive and environmentally conscious development and economic growth.
The United Nations proudly stands with all Africans in this essential effort.
* *** *
"Around the world, more than 100 million people are at risk from landmines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices." — António Guterres
Thailand has acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Use of Electronic Communications in International Contracts (2005) (the “Electronic Communications Convention”).
"Around the globe, people with autism are making enormous contributions to societies, human endeavours, and individual lives." — António Guterres
"This year's International Day of Zero Waste puts the focus on fashion and textiles." — António Guterres
