Events

09:00 – 09:15

Welcoming Remarks 

09:15 – 10:00

Policy Panel:  Emerging Sub-Saharan Africa: Progress and Challenges

This policy panel will set the tone to the discussions by touching upon the main issues that represent vital priorities for the economic prosperity of Africa.  

Chair:  Dr. Emmanuel Pinto Moreira, Regional Lead Economist for the Middle-East and North Africa, World Bank 

Speakers:     
- Dr. Cadman Mills, Former Special Advisor to the   President, Ghana
- Dr. Ponyo Mapon Matata, Former Prime Minister, Democratic Republic of the Congo

10:00 – 11:15

Session 1: Trade Openness and Regional Integration

Regional integration is becoming a priority concern for Africa more than ever before. Despite its potential in terms of human and natural resources, intra-continental trade remains weak when comparing it to other continents, and identifying the appropriate way to unlock it is crucial for Africa’s development. Therefore, 
1. How can intra-continental trade and regional integration lead to a greater economic development and convergence in Africa?
2. What is the optimal middle ground between intra- and inter-continental trade for Africa? 

Chair: Divine Ngenyeh Kangami, Economist, African Leadership Academy

Speakers:     
- Brahim Allali, Professor, ESCA Ecole de Management
- Nauro F. Campos, Professor of Economics, Brunel University London
- Marek Dabrowski, Non-Resident Fellow, Bruegel
- Charles F.E. Doukoure, Researcher, Economic Policy Analysis Unit of Cires

11:15 – 11:45

Coffee Break

11:45 – 13:00

Session 2: Managing the Demographic Transition & Labor Dynamics in Africa

Africa’s demographic transition is strongly related to the continent’s economic prospects. A surge of population can be more a liability than an asset by affecting the labor market with several challenges. Many questions arise when tackling this issue:
1. How can Africa harness the continental demographic dividend?
2. What configuration of the African labor market is adequate with the new demographic challenges? 

Chair: Ali Zafar, Senior Economist, World Bank

Speakers:     
- Alban Ahoure, Director, Economic Policy Analysis Unit of Cires 
- Mamadou Diallo, Counsel in Public Affairs, Côte d’Ivoire 
- Nchimunya Hamukoma, Senior researcher, Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation 
- Mustapha Metaich, Managing Partner, Cabinet EMC 

14:30 – 15:45

Session 3: Financial Deepening & Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure deficit in Africa is considerable, in comparison to developed and emerging economies. Policy makers have set their sights on closing the gap. Estimated financial requirements exceed 100 billion dollars annually. African leaders are expected to launch innovative initiatives to mobilize financial resources in the international market, without neglecting the potential offered by domestic resources. In this context: 
1. Is Africa doomed to suffer from the lack of adequate infrastructure?
2. What role can PPP initiatives play to close the deficit in infrastructure?
3. To what extent domestic financial markets are a substitute to international funders?
4. Is Africa on the right way to deepen its financial sector?

Chair: Moubarack Lo, Senior Fellow, OCP Policy Center 

Speakers:     
- Mounssif Aderkaoui, Director of Studies and Financial Forecasts, Ministry of Finance, Morocco 
- Laoye Jaiyeola, CEO, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group
- Mark Plant, Senior Policy Fellow and Director of Development Finance, Center for Global Development

15:45 – 16:15

Coffee Break

16:15 – 17:30

Session 4: Targeted Manufacturing and Trade-Specific Policies to Accelerate Development

Trade and industrialization are two complementary pillars of the African economic future growth. The low manufacturing and processing capacity is considered as a major limiting factor for trade among African countries. Public policies have the responsibility to find the right mechanisms to leapfrog trade and manufacturing in the continent. 
1. What are the appropriate policies to adopt in order to lift the African industrial competitiveness? 
2. Is Africa deindustrializing? If yes, how can the trend be reversed?

Chair: Mouhamadou Moustapha Ly, Senior Economist, OCP Policy Center 

Speakers:         
- Hinh Dinh, Senior Fellow, OCP Policy Center
- Assi Josè Carlos Kimou, Researcher, Economic Policy Analysis Unit of Cires
- Theodore H. Moran, non-resident senior fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics