In Tangier, experts set to chart Africa’s innovation driven economic transformation

Tangier, Morocco, 28 March 2026 - The Committee of Experts segment of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development opened today in Tangier, setting the stage for ministerial deliberations on how to boost growth through innovation, data and frontier technologies. Over three days, senior officials from across the continent will review Africa's recent economic and social developments, assess progress on regional integration, and examine the theme of this year's Conference, "Growth through innovation: harnessing data and frontier technologies for the economic transformation of Africa".

The opening took place at the Palace of Art and Cultural Centre, in Tangier, Morocco.

Experts will also consider a comprehensive package of statutory reports, including the Executive Secretary's report on the activities of the Economic Commission for Africa, follow-up to past ministerial resolutions, United Nations support to the African Union and AUDA-NEPAD, and outcomes of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. They will examine the work of ECA's subsidiary and intergovernmental bodies, as well as progress under the Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries and the Awaza Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries, with a view to sharpening evidence-based policy recommendations for ministers.

The Committee's conclusions will inform the ministerial segment of the fifty-eighth session of the Commission, where African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development will adopt concrete decisions on leveraging data and frontier technologies to accelerate structural transformation, job creation and inclusive growth.

The opening ceremony concluded with the launch of a special commemorative postal stamp issued by Poste Maroc on the occasion of the conference as a tribute to the long and fruitful cooperation between ECA and the Kingdom of Morocco, and as an echo to the stamp issued on the occasion of the first time the conference took place in Tangier, in January 1960.

Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: [email protected]

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