By Staff Reporter
The Economic Commission for Africa, Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, this Monday, addressed a press conference on the state of preparedness of the ECA Conference of Ministers Finance, Planning and Economic Development (COM2024), wherein he emphasised that the 56th Session of the Conference will address the economic challenges being encountered by the 54 African member States.
Gatete said the UNECA Conference, which would be held from 28 February to 05 March 2024, in Victoria Falls, will infuse climate financing and technological advancement to forge solutions to the economic challenges faced by African States. He added that technology should promote and improve achievement of Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Gatete said about 1.6 billion people in Africa are not connected to the internet, hence the need to invest in digital infrastructure.
Additionally, Gatete encouraged African Finance Ministers to pull resources together in a bid to meet debt service obligations. He urged African governments to work on debt restructuring processes while developing a broader economic reform agenda aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth.
The 56th UNECA Conference will be held under the theme, “Financing the transition to inclusive green economies in Africa: imperatives, opportunities and policy options.” The theme encapsulates the interconnected challenges and opportunities facing the continent. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, economic inclusivity and innovative solutions, African nations can pave the way for a more prosperous, resilient and equitable future. A source from the Ministry of Finance and Investments Promotion recently revealed to this publication that preparations for the Conference are at an advanced stage. She highlighted that the Conference will attract about 800 delegates consisting of African Ministers of Finance and Economic Development, Governors of Central Banks and experts in the financing industry. The UNECA Conference is in tandem with Government’s engagement and reengagement policy, which is essential for boosting cooperation in the said sector.
