African Industrialization Day (20/11)

As part of the Second Decade of Industrial Development of Africa (1991–2000), the UN General Assembly, by its resolution 44/237 of December 22, 1989, proclaimed November 20 as Africa Industrialization Day.

The Day aims to enlist the support of the international community in accelerating the pace of industrialization of this world region and the development of trade relations between African countries.

Despite its rich natural resources, Africa is the poorest and lagging industrial development continent in the world. Economic backwardness is due to a wide range of factors — this includes lack of infrastructure, colonial past, communication difficulties caused by linguistic diversity, corrupt governments, frequent military conflicts, etc.

The African continent is the second most populated continent in the world with a population of more than 1.2 billion people, representing 16% of the world's total population. Despite this, Africa currently accounts for less than 2% of international trade and production. The continent lags behind all other regions in terms of industrial growth and employment.

However, the prospects for significant changes in the socio-economic sphere on the continent are becoming more favorable. In many low-income countries, economic growth has accelerated, giving many people the opportunity to escape extreme poverty.

Industrialization, which stimulates the region's domestic economy, will help African countries achieve high growth rates, diversify their economies and reduce the risks of external shocks. This will greatly contribute to the eradication of poverty through the creation of jobs and wealth. The successful implementation of the programme for the industrialization of Africa will require the creation of an enabling environment that will strengthen domestic capacities in areas such as physical and social infrastructure, human capital, financial systems, research and development, technology and governance.

The important role of inclusive and sustainable industrial development in helping Africa meet its critical development challenges is recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, the Sustainable Development Goal aims to build strong infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and innovation.

Each year, therefore, the events held as part of Africa's Industrialization Day focus on a theme in order to raise awareness of the importance of Africa's industrialization and the difficulties facing the continent.

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