Africa Business Forum 2026 calls for bold investments to finance Africa’s future through jobs and innovation
Addis Ababa, 19 February 2026 (ECA) – The Africa Business Forum 2026 concluded in Addis Ababa, Tuesday with a strong call for long-term, risk-tolerant investment to unlock Africa’s innovation potential and power inclusive, job-rich growth across the continent. Organised by the Economic Commission for Africa on the margins of the African Union Summit, the Forum launched a Jobs Wall Commitment Tracker to capture, showcase, and track public and private sector job commitments.
From minerals to manufacturing: UN Trade and Development supports Africa’s value addition drive
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan concluded a week-long mission to Africa, highlighting the continent’s strong economic prospects at a decisive moment for global trade and the energy transition – while underscoring the policy choices needed to translate potential into prosperity.
How AGOA renewal shapes Africa’s trade future
Despite heightened trade tensions and policy volatility, global trade and growth demonstrated notable resilience in 2025. Supply chains continued to adjust, markets remained connected, even as pressures weighed more heavily on smaller and more vulnerable economies.
Uncertainty has not disappeared in 2026. Strategic rivalry and policy adjustments continue to test the international trading environment. Yet recent developments offer two concrete reminders that cooperation remains both possible and consequential.
IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with South Africa
Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation with South Africa.
South Africa’s post-pandemic recovery has been hampered by repeated global shocks and domestic challenges, including, more recently, increased protectionism, fragmentation, and global trade policy uncertainty. Owing to its ample natural endowments, independent institutions, and strong monetary policy framework, the economy has proven resilient thus far.
Senegal Launches AgriConnect Compact to Transform its Agriculture Sector
DAKAR, February 10, 2026 - The Government of Senegal, in partnership with the World Bank Group, today announced the launch of the AgriConnect Senegal Compact. This strategic initiative aims to transform the country's agri-food systems and improve food security for millions of Senegalese.
ECA and Mauritania strengthen strategic partnership to advance inclusive growth and economic transformation
High-level discussions focused on financing, reforms, youth employment, digital transformation and long-term development planning.
Nouakchott, 3 February 2026 (ECA) – The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mr. Claver Gatete, met with H.E. President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania on 2 February 2026 in Nouakchott to discuss national development priorities and strengthen strategic cooperation.
ECA sub-regional office for southern Africa transitions to clean energy with ground-breaking hybrid solar system
Lusaka, Zambia – 5 February 2026 (ECA) – The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) today held a Contract Close-Out Session marking the successful completion of a pioneering hybrid photovoltaic (PV) solar system at its Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) in Lusaka, Zambia. The project represents a significant milestone in the ECA's commitment to sustainable operations and climate resilience.
Unlocking aquaculture potential: FAO’s FISH4ACP drives inclusive growth
Harare - In 2025, Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector reached a defining moment as FAO’s FISH4ACP initiative turned long-recognized potential into tangible gains for farmers, institutions and markets. Through climate-smart innovation and inclusive enterprise models the programme strengthened the tilapia value chain while expanding economic opportunities for women and youth. As a fast‑growing, high‑demand species that provides income for thousands of small‑scale farmers, tilapia plays a central role in strengthening livelihoods and driving the expansion of Zimbabwe’s aquaculture sector.
Africa launches push to close agricultural mechanization gap as landmark conference begins
Dar es Salaam – Africa’s push to accelerate sustainable agricultural mechanization gained fresh momentum today as the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mwigulu L. Nchemba, launched Tanzania’s National Agricultural Mechanization Strategy 2026–2036 at the opening of the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization.
Narrow Path to Recovery: Finding a Climate-Smart Pathway and Stabilizing South Sudan’s Economy
JUBA, February 5- Two new World Bank Group reports released today underscore that South Sudan stands at a critical crossroads, where restoring public finances and taking urgent, climate-smart action are essential to reversing economic decline and placing the country on a sustainable development path. The new Public Finance Review (PFR) and Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) warn that intensifying climate shocks, combined with weak fiscal management, is driving a dangerous cycle of fragility, conflict, displacement, and deepening poverty.