Nigeria, WTO Chief to Lead Africa Economic Resilience Forum in Abuja

Nigeria's central bank governor, Olayemi Cardoso, and World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala are set to headline the 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum in Abuja. The event, hosted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA), aims to chart strategies for bolstering Africa's economic resilience against global uncertainties.

The two-day forum, scheduled for July 29-30 at the CBN headquarters, will feature a high-level dialogue between Cardoso and Okonjo-Iweala. Their discussion, themed “Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties,” will explore how African economies can maintain reform momentum, enhance regional integration, and foster long-term growth amid increasing global fragmentation.

Policymakers, including central bank governors and finance ministers, alongside development partners, private sector leaders, and economists, will convene to deliberate on practical policy responses. Keynote addresses are expected from Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Kingsley Udeh, emphasizing the need for coordinated fiscal, monetary, and innovation policies. Prominent participants also include Indermit Gill, World Bank Group's Chief Economist, and Harinder Kohli, Founding Director of EMF, alongside academics and business leaders.

The forum's agenda covers a wide array of critical issues for emerging markets. Discussions will delve into macroeconomic stability, regional economic integration, cross-border payments, fintech, infrastructure development, foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, participants will address food price volatility, inflation, monetary policy transmission, and the challenges facing fragile and post-crisis economies. The organisers stated the forum is designed to encourage open dialogue and identify adaptable policy solutions for developing economies, reflecting a shared commitment to Africa's economic advancement.

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Building Resilience Amidst Geoeconomic Uncertainties