The headquarters of the African Development Bank in Abidjan recently served as the host city for the 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC), a significant event co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This year’s conference focused intently on the theme: “Strengthening Africa’s geopolitical action and trade resilience in a multipolar world.”

Souleymane Diarrassouba, the Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development, officially commenced the proceedings. More than 4,000 participants actively followed the discussions online, demonstrating broad continental engagement.

Inauguration of the African Chief Economists Network

A pivotal outcome of the conference was the establishment of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network), announced on the final day. This innovative platform is designed to synchronize economic expertise across the continent and harmonize public policies in response to global disruptions.

Officials anticipate that this network will be instrumental in formulating solutions to the complex challenges Africa confronts amidst increasing geopolitical fragmentation. Professor Kevin Urama, Vice-President of the African Development Bank, emphasized the critical need for the continent to bolster its knowledge systems to exert greater influence within the global financial order.

From dependency to strategic autonomy

Speakers consistently underscored the imperative to process resources locally rather than exporting them as raw materials. Ahunna Eziakonwa, Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme, articulated that Africa’s intrinsic economic strength serves as its primary geopolitical leverage.

Raymond Gilpin, Chief Economist for UNDP Africa, reiterated that global uncertainties will continue to test the resilience of African institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice-President of the African Development Bank Group, urged attendees to translate the conference’s recommendations into tangible decisions and concrete actions.

Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic positioning

Abidjan has housed the African Development Bank’s headquarters since 2014, following its relocation from Tunis during Côte d’Ivoire’s period of crisis. The Ivorian economic capital has since solidified its reputation as a prominent diplomatic and financial hub in West Africa.

The successful organization of this conference reaffirms Abidjan’s strategic role in shaping discussions about the continent’s economic future. Côte d’Ivoire, recognized as the leading economy within the West African Economic and Monetary Union, is actively pursuing infrastructure development and the local transformation of its raw materials, notably cocoa.

Boosting intra-african trade and decision sovereignty

Discussions prominently featured the necessity of stimulating trade among African nations, which currently faces limitations due to tariff barriers and inadequate infrastructure. Rather than aligning with external geopolitical blocs, participants advocated for genuine economic decision-making sovereignty.

The conclusions, released on July 12 and 13, call for the construction of a resilient and prosperous Africa, capable of asserting its influence in global trade negotiations. The newly formed African Chief Economists Network is presented as a crucial instrument for translating this ambitious vision into coordinated continental policies.