Abidjan hosts pivotal African economic conference with landmark initiatives

Abidjan’s African Development Bank headquarters became the epicenter of African economic dialogue from July 10 to 12, 2026, during the African Economic Conference (AEC). The event, co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), centered on the theme ‘Strengthening Africa’s geopolitical influence and trade resilience in a multipolar world.’

Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, inaugurated the proceedings. With more than 4,000 online attendees, the conference served as a platform for robust economic exchanges and strategic planning.

The birth of ACE-Network: a continental economic think tank

The final day of the conference marked the unveiling of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network), a groundbreaking initiative designed to consolidate economic expertise across Africa. This network aims to synchronize policy responses and foster coordinated action in the face of global economic disruptions.

According to AfDB leadership, ACE-Network will play a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Professor Kevin Urama, AfDB Vice President, emphasized the continent’s need to enhance its knowledge systems to assert influence in global financial governance.

From raw material exports to strategic value addition

Speakers underscored the importance of local processing over exporting unrefined resources. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa, highlighted that Africa’s economic self-reliance is its strongest geopolitical asset.

Raymond Gilpin, UNDP Chief Economist for Africa, cautioned that ongoing global uncertainties will continue testing the resilience of African institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, AfDB Senior Vice President, urged the transformation of conference recommendations into concrete policies and actions.

Abidjan: West Africa’s emerging economic powerhouse

Since 2014, Abidjan has been home to the AfDB headquarters following the institution’s relocation from Tunis during Côte d’Ivoire’s political crisis. The city has since evolved into a key diplomatic and financial hub in West Africa.

The conference’s selection of Abidjan as host city further solidifies its strategic importance in shaping Africa’s economic future. As the leading economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Côte d’Ivoire is prioritizing infrastructure development and local processing of commodities such as cocoa to drive growth.

Boosting intra-African trade and economic sovereignty

Discussions emphasized the urgency of enhancing trade among African nations, currently hindered by tariff barriers and underdeveloped infrastructure. Participants advocated for economic decision-making independence rather than alignment with external geopolitical blocs.

The conference concluded with calls to build a resilient and prosperous Africa capable of influencing global trade negotiations. The newly launched ACE-Network is positioned as the mechanism to turn this vision into continent-wide policy coherence.