Unlocking Africa's development potential - how to translate economic growth into development goals

A seminar co-organized by African Development Bank, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and UNU-WIDER

Unlocking Africa's development potential - how to translate economic growth into development goals


African Development BankMinistry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and UNU-WIDER co-organize a seminar discussion 'Unlocking Africa's development potential - how to translate economic growth into development goals’.

Africa's economic progress over the past decade has been impressive. Currently, the continent is entering a crucial time for its transformation toward inclusive and sustainable development.
During the seminar it will be discussed how economic growth can be maintained and translated into achieving crucial development goals? The new President of the AfDB, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, will outline the five development priorities, the so-called High 5, he believes are key in unlocking the economic potential of African countries:

  • Light Up and Power Africa
  • Feed Africa
  • Industrialize Africa
  • Integrate Africa
  • Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

Finn Tarp, Director of the Helsinki based research institute UNU-WIDER, will provide commentary based on recent research evidence and Kari Alanko, from the MFA-Finland's Department for Africa and the Middle East, will bring a policy point of view to the discussion. The event will be chaired by Tony Addison, Chief Economist and Deputy Director of UNU-WIDER.

Programme
13:30-14:00 Registration and coffee
14:00-14:05 Welcome and introduction
Tony Addison, Chief Economist and Deputy Director, UNU-WIDER
14:05-14:15 Opening words
Elina Kalkku, Under-Secretary of State, MFA-Finland
14:15-14:25 Introducing AfDB
Heikki Tuunanen, Executive Director, AfDB
14:25-15:05 Presentation on AfDB's role in Africa
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the AfDB
15:05-15:35 Comments  
Finn Tarp, Director, UNU-WIDER
Kari Alanko, Deputy Director, MFA-Finland
15:35-16:00 Questions and answers
16:00-16:10 Concluding remarks
Finn Tarp, Director, UNU-WIDER
About the African Development Bank

With 80 member countries, the African Development Bank plays a major role in driving Africa's development and has become a trusted partner to the region's countries. The Bank is the premier development finance institution on the continent.

Akinwumi Adesina, formerly Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, was elected as the 8th President of the African Development Bank in May 2015.

 

View Finn Tarp's comments 'A High Five to the AfDB - WIDER Comments'

Slides – Finn Tarp