Africa

We assist African countries to achieve sustainable development by providing policy advice, technical assistance and mobilizing international support for the continent.

News

Leveraging investment policies to boost medicine production in Africa

Targeted incentives, infrastructure and policy support are crucial as the continent seeks to scale up local pharmaceutical manufacturing for public health and economic security.

7 Apr 2025

A combine harvester operates in a rice field in Nigeria.

Harnessing frontier technology for food security in Nigeria

Africa’s most populous nation is making strides in agricultural innovation by leveraging satellite imagery, earth observation systems and remote sensing tools.

12 Feb 2025

A line chart showing Africa's economic uncertainty compared to the global average

Africa’s vulnerability to global shocks highlights need for stronger regional trade

Dependence on commodities, high debt, and weak infrastructure make African economies more vulnerable. Stronger and more diversified trade networks can enhance their resilience and drive growth.

10 Feb 2025

Africa’s $3.4 trillion opportunity: Turning vulnerabilities into resilience

Stronger intra-regional trade, strategic investments and bolder economic reforms are crucial to unlocking the vast potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

10 Feb 2025

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Economic Development in Africa Report

This annual report analyses major aspects of Africa's development problems and policy issues of interest to African countries.

It makes policy recommendations for action by African countries themselves and by the international community to overcome the development challenges that the continent faces.

UNCTAD activities in support of Africa

Every year, the Trade and Development Board considers a report on our activities in support of Africa.

The document provides an overview of our research and analysis on African development issues and a summary of specific activities - such as advisory services and technical cooperation - in different areas of work within its mandate.

Featured Podcast

UN report: Unlocking Africa’s trade potential

The Weekly Tradecast looks at Africa’s economies and ways to boost trade, reduce risk and unlock the continent’s potential with Mona Farid Mohmed Badran from Cairo University and also UN Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) chief of the Africa section, Habiba Barka.

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