Marking Africa Industrialization Day, Secretary-General Urges Continent ‘to Seize’ Opportunity of Transformative Digital Technology, Drive Green Development

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for Africa Industrialization Day, observed on 20 November:

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.