Context

A key challenge facing the African continent today and for many years to come relates to the impact of climate changes and the transition to a ‘green-economy’. While Africa is least responsible for the climate change challenges the world is facing, it is still the most vulnerable to the impacts of the changing climate.

Today, African countries find themselves at a critical juncture in their development trajectories. Confronted by internal challenges of reducing poverty and unemployment, the resource base of many productive sectors is facing threats of environmental damages such as deforestation, soil erosion, desertification, loss of biodiversity and effects of climate changes.

As in other parts of the world, countries in Africa are seeking to take the opportunity of this moment to articulate new strategies and policies that refocus investments in economic sectors able to drive green growth, create employment, and improve living conditions.

Taking into account the huge opportunities for a green economy in Africa, and given the challenges faced by African countries in essential areas such as agriculture and energy, the Sixth edition of the African Economic Conference will be devoted to “Green Economy and Structural Transformation in Africa”. The meeting which is being organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 26 – 28 October, 2011. It is expected to bring together experts, intellectuals and development partners to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges for a green economy in Africa.