Greening Africa’s industrialization

African economies remain constrained by systemic weaknesses, which limit their economic growth potential, undermine social progress and jeopardize the environment. Building on its previous issues, the Economic Report on Africa (ERA) 2016 presents “green” industrialization as a crucial element of successful structural transformation. The report underscores the need for country-specific national green agendas, aligned with broad development goals. The State ought to play a pivotal role in articulating and promoting a vision beyond 2030. The involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, effective public institutions and consistent implementation are the prerequisites for mobilizing private sector resources. Investments in innovation and regional collaboration, and the establishment of best practice-sharing platforms will lead to industrial greening. Institutional and human capacities should be strengthened to effectively carry out, monitor and adjust the green growth agenda to reflect emerging realities.