UN Thinks Industrialization of Africa Will Help it Succeed

December 2009 National Scene Magazine International Article

When Will Africa Be Able to Join the Global Economy? (archived Dec. 2009)

UN Thinks the Industrialization of the Continent Is the Key to its Success


Written by: Karen Benardello


The industrialization of Africa, which will help the continent fully join the global economy, is being hindered by armed conflict, limited financing and technological abilities, policies that stifle entrepreneurship, inadequate infrastructure, weak governance, limited competition and the rising cost of doing business, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said during the annual Africa Industrialization Day November 20, the international organization reported on its official website.

Ki-moon spoke during a symposium in Vienna, and said “Efforts to address these challenges must be rooted in a shared global responsibility for our planet's prosperity.” He also added the UN knows what the continent needs, including a green agricultural revolution linked to industrial transformation, and leaders of all African countries must provide financial support for such changes to occur. Also noted during the speech was the fact that while economic growth has been somewhat encouraging during the past several years, increased industrialization is necessary for African economies to continually prosper.

The Secretary-General also rightfully suggested the world must work with the African governments to research, make investments and use technology to help feed the continent’s population and raise living standards. The population has longed suffered from terrible living conditions, including famine, disease, poverty and natural disasters, and people around the world need to do more than just writing checks.

The African Industrialization Day came two days after the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director-General Kandeh K. Yumkella warned that the continent must overcome the obstacles of boosting its industrial production and gaining a larger share of world trade to benefit from the global economy, the UN’s website also reported.

Yumkella also seemed less optimistic at Africa’s six percent annual growth rate between 2003 and 2007. He pointed to a number of barriers in the continent’s path to developing its manufacturing sector, including weak support from institutions, limited industrial skills and technological capabilities, inadequate financing and underdeveloped internal and regional markets, as well as the recent global financial and economic turmoil.

The director also stated that Africa must “focus on industrialization as a critical engine of economic growth and development” if it wants to recover economically and increase its share of world trade. Hopefully the UN and UNIDO can work together, with the governments of the world, to help Africa thrive.