Abidjan hosts pivotal african economic summit and launches new economist network

The key takeaways

• Dates: The African Economic Conference took place from July 10 to 12, 2026, in Abidjan
• Organizers: Jointly hosted by the African Development Bank, UNDP, and OECD
• New initiative: Official launch of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network) on July 12
• Engagement: Over 4,000 virtual participants joined across three days

The African Development Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan served as the venue for the African Economic Conference (AEC) 2026, co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This year’s theme, ‘Strengthening Africa’s geopolitical influence and trade resilience in a multipolar world’, set the stage for critical discussions on the continent’s economic future.

The conference kicked off with an address by Souleymane Diarrassouba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development. Over the three-day event, more than 4,000 delegates participated remotely, engaging in debates that addressed Africa’s most pressing economic challenges.

A new platform for continental economic leadership

The final day of the conference marked the unveiling of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network). This initiative aims to consolidate economic expertise across the continent and align public policies to better withstand global shocks. According to the African Development Bank, the network will play a crucial role in addressing Africa’s complex challenges amid rising geopolitical fragmentation.

Kevin Urama, Vice President of the African Development Bank, emphasized the need for Africa to bolster its knowledge systems to shape the global financial order. He highlighted that the continent’s ability to develop homegrown solutions will determine its long-term economic sovereignty.

From raw exports to value creation

Speakers underscored the urgency of processing Africa’s abundant resources locally rather than shipping them abroad in their raw form. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa, stressed that Africa’s economic strength lies in its capacity to transform its own resources into value-added products.

Raymond Gilpin, UNDP’s Chief Economist for Africa, warned that global uncertainties will continue to test the resilience of African institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank, called for translating the conference’s recommendations into tangible actions and policies.

Abidjan’s growing role in African economic diplomacy

Abidjan has been home to the African Development Bank since 2014, following its relocation from Tunis during Côte d’Ivoire’s political crisis. The city has since emerged as a vital diplomatic and financial hub in West Africa.

The decision to host this conference in Abidjan reaffirms the city’s central position in shaping the continent’s economic agenda. As the leading economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Côte d’Ivoire is investing heavily in infrastructure development and local processing of key commodities like cocoa to drive sustainable growth.

Boosting intra-African trade and economic autonomy

Discussions also focused on reducing barriers to trade within Africa, which remains constrained by tariffs and inadequate infrastructure. Participants rejected the idea of aligning with external geopolitical blocs, instead advocating for true economic decision-making sovereignty.

The conference’s final communiqué, released on July 12 and 13, called for the creation of a resilient and prosperous Africa capable of influencing global trade negotiations. The ACE-Network was positioned as a vital instrument to turn this vision into coordinated continental policies.