Driving Africa’s Economic Future: Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth and Governance
Dear friend,
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Club de Madrid (CdM) are pleased to invite you to a high-level side event taking place during the AfDB Annual Meetings 2025. Titled: ‘Driving Africa’s Economic Future: Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth and Governance’, this event will explore how digitalization can accelerate economic growth, strengthen governance, and promote inclusive development across the continent. It will take place on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, from 14:45 to 15:45 hours at the Salle des Fêtes, Sofitel Hotel Ivoire, Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. As Africa continues to invest in its digital future, this session will gather policymakers, business leaders, and digital economy experts to discuss the expansion of digital infrastructure, the use of AI for governance, and the creation of a digitally skilled workforce. In alignment with the AfDB’s “High 5” priorities and initiatives such as the Coding for Employment Program, and drawing on the Club de Madrid’s policy leadership, the session will address strategic opportunities for advancing Africa’s digital agenda. Discussions will examine the expansion of digital infrastructure, the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening institutional efficiency, and the development of a digitally skilled workforce. Participants will consider regulatory and investment frameworks to unlock economic potential, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and enhance digital trust and cybersecurity. The event will also highlight successful African-led digital initiatives and encourage public-private partnerships as vehicles for scaling inclusive digital transformation. We hope you will be able to join this timely and forward-looking dialogue.
Speakers:
- Kevin C. Urama (Opening Remarks), Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance & Knowledge Management (AfBD)
- Mehdi Jomaa, Member of Club de Madrid and Prime Minister of Tunisia (2014-2015)
- Julia Duncan, Global Director for Development Finance, Bayer
- Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, Former Minister of Education of Nigeria, former Vice President of the World Bank, Advisor of Club de Madrid
- Pren-Tsilya Boa-Guehe, Head of Pan-African Institutions, Google Government Affairs & Public Policy
- Mame Omar Diop, Head of the UNESCO Office in Abidjan and UNESCO Representative to Côte d’Ivoire
- Moderator: Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor on Communications at the AfDB
Specific links to this side event:
AfDB Annual Meetings 2025
Driving Africa’s Economic Future: Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth and Governance
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
14:45 – 15:45 GMTSalle des Fetes, Sofitel Hotel Ivoire, Abidjan, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
