The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the period 2016-2025 as Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDAIII), through Resolution A/RES/70/293 adopted in 2016. The Resolution specifically encouraged the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to develop, operationalize and lead the implementation of the program, in close collaboration with the African Union (AU). Since the adoption of the resolution, a number of high-level events on IDDA III have been held in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The event this year will be the sixth and is scheduled for 22nd September 2023 on the margins of the 78th UNGA. The theme of the High-Level event will be: “Positioning Africa’s Industrial Skills Development, Deployment and Retention: Accelerating Manufacturing”. The impetus for Africa’s industrialization remains key to achieve both the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063. Both these frameworks put industrialization as a priority to achieve a people-centered, inclusive and sustainable economic development as well as shared prosperity for all.

The event is co-organized by UNIDO in cooperation with the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the African Business Council (AfBC), the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Their collective effort underscores the commitment to fostering industrial growth across the continent.

The objectives of the IDDA III High-Level Event are multifaceted. It serves as a crucial platform for evaluating the progress achieved on the IDDA III and AIDA, in terms of skills development, leading towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to delve into the practical implementation of the Action Plan stemming from the outcomes of the 17th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Heads of State and Government. These objectives are intricately intertwined with the shared vision of propelling Africa towards inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

The audience expected at this event is as diverse as it is influential. Heads of State and representatives from governmental institutions, UN organizations, partnering international organizations, policy-makers, private sector, development finance institutions, civil society, academia, and accredited media representatives will converge to share their insights, experiences, and strategies aimed at charting Africa's industrial future.

In essence, this event symbolizes a critical juncture in Africa's journey towards realizing its industrial potential. With a keen focus on skill development, industrial deployment, and retention, it underscores the commitment to nurturing Africa's homegrown talent and resources to foster economic growth that benefits all. The IDDA III High-Level Event is poised to accelerate manufacturing and usher Africa into a future characterized by shared prosperity and sustainable development.