Africa stands at a defining moment where frontier technologies and deeper regional integration could recalibrate its economic future, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has said.
The position was contained in a statement issued yesterday by ECA’s Communication Section.
Speaking at the Fourth Session of the Committee on Private Sector Development, ECA Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, underscored the theme, “Leveraging frontier technologies and innovation to advance regional integration for sustainable growth.”
Gatete commended the outgoing Chair of the Bureau, Mamadjam Dinis Djalo of Guinea-Bissau, for steering the Committee through a critical phase in its development work.
He noted that Africa faces a world marked by rapid technological change, geopolitical tensions, constrained finances and intensifying climate impacts — factors that are deepening vulnerabilities and widening inequalities across the continent.
Yet, he stressed, Africa retains distinct competitive advantages, including the world’s youngest population, vast renewable energy potential, fast-growing digital ecosystems and a continental market of 1.4 billion people under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Integration and innovation must move in tandem,” he said. “Individually, each has limits; together, they can position Africa as a global economic shaper rather than a follower.”
Gatete pointed to transformative innovations already emerging across the continent, from mobile money and drone-powered medical deliveries to digital agriculture and generative AI — technologies he said could collectively boost productivity and unlock more than US$220 billion annually.
He argued that technology thrives on scale, while scale depends on integration, making the AfCFTA essential for harmonised regulations, investment incentives and market opportunities that can support innovation.
Conversely, he noted, innovation strengthens integration. The rise of cross-border instant payment systems, which expanded by nearly 40 per cent between 2019 and 2023, has lowered transaction costs and linked African markets more seamlessly.
The ECA chief outlined three priorities: expanding digital and physical cross-border infrastructure; empowering the private sector — particularly young people and women; and harmonising regulatory regimes to fully activate the continent’s trade potential.
He said African countries have already begun to deploy frontier technologies, undertake policy reforms and build systems geared toward a more resilient and globally competitive continent.
Gatete reaffirmed ECA’s commitment to supporting member states with data-driven policy advice, technical assistance and partnerships involving the African Union, regional blocs, the private sector and development agencies.
He urged delegates to convert discussions into measurable action and share country experiences that can shape Africa’s inclusive, innovative and integrated economic future.
