Abidjan hosts landmark african economic conference with new economist network launch

The African Development Bank headquarters in Abidjan became the epicenter of continental economic dialogue from July 10 to 12, 2026, as the African Economic Conference (AEC) 2026 convened with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. This year’s edition centered on the theme ‘Strengthening Africa’s geopolitical influence and trade resilience in a multipolar world.’

The Côte d’Ivoire Minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, inaugurated the three-day event, which drew over 4,000 virtual participants across the globe.

ACE-Network: A new platform for continental economic coordination

The conference culminated in the formal launch of the African Chief Economists Network (ACE-Network), a strategic initiative designed to unify the continent’s economic expertise and align public policies against global economic shocks. The network aims to foster coordinated responses to Africa’s most pressing challenges amid increasing geopolitical fragmentation.

The African Development Bank’s Vice President Kevin Urama emphasized the urgent need for Africa to bolster its knowledge systems and amplify its voice in shaping the global financial order.

Shifting from raw material exports to value addition

Discussions highlighted the importance of processing Africa’s resources locally rather than shipping them abroad in unrefined form. Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP Regional Director for Africa, stressed that Africa’s economic self-reliance is its most powerful geopolitical asset.

Raymond Gilpin, UNDP Chief Economist for Africa, warned that ongoing global uncertainties will continue to test the resilience of the continent’s institutions. Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank, urged participants to move beyond recommendations and implement tangible, actionable solutions.

Why Abidjan stands at the heart of Africa’s economic future

Abidjan has served as the African Development Bank’s headquarters since 2014, following its relocation from Tunis during Côte d’Ivoire’s political crisis. The city has since emerged as a leading diplomatic and financial hub in West Africa, reinforcing its strategic importance in shaping the continent’s economic agenda.

As the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, Côte d’Ivoire is prioritizing infrastructure development and local processing of key commodities such as cocoa to drive sustainable growth.

Boosting intra-African trade and economic sovereignty

The conference underscored the critical role of intra-African trade, currently constrained by high tariffs and inadequate infrastructure. Rather than aligning with external geopolitical blocs, delegates advocated for greater economic decision-making autonomy. The final communiqué, released on July 12 and 13, calls for building a resilient and prosperous Africa capable of asserting itself in global trade negotiations. The ACE-Network is positioned as a key mechanism to transform this vision into coordinated, continent-wide policies.