Basic Information
Africa Industrialization Day is observed on November 20 to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.
Observed on: 20 November
Organized by: UN, UNIDO
Introduced in: 1990 (First observation)
Observed: Worldwide (Especially in Africa)
About Africa Industrialization Day
In 1989 UN General Assembly declared to observe Africa Industrialization Day on 20 November and the first of its kind was observed in 1990. Aim of the day is to mobilize the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa. The event also aims to mobilize both African leaders and international organizations to advocate for the accelerated and sustainable industrialization of Africa.
Even though Africa is a land with rich natural resources, it is the poorest and most underdeveloped continent in the world. So it is important to make this continent more developed and also to eradicate poverty. Observation of this day is one of the good move towards achieving this aim.
Activities and Programs on the Day
Many national and international non-governmental organizations conduct different programs and events to mark this day. The events aim to unite leaders or representatives of African countries to find ways to stimulate industrialization of Africa. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) plays an important role in coordinating these events.
The observation of the day gives an opportunity to draw media attention to the problems and challenges of industrialization in Africa. UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) conduct symposium on specific theme designed for the day.
Theme for Africa Industrialization Day
Africa Industrialization Day 2020 Theme is “Inclusive and sustainable industrialisation in the AfCFTA era”
Africa Industrialization Day 2019 Theme was “Positioning African Industry to Supply the AfCFTA Market“
2018 Theme was “Promoting Regional Value Chains in Africa: A pathway for accelerating Africa’s structural transformation, industrialization and pharmaceutical production“
2017 Theme: African Industrial Development: A Pre-Condition for an Effective and Sustainable Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)
2016 Theme: Financing Industrialization in Africa: Challenges and Winning Strategies
2015 Theme: SMEs for poverty eradication and job creation for women and youth
2014 Theme: Inclusive and sustainable industrial development: African agro industry for food security
2013 Theme: Job creation and entrepreneurship development: a means to accelerate industrialization in Africa
2012 Theme: Accelerating Industrialization for Boosting Intra-Africa Trade