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Writes Sirak Gebrehiwot
16 April 2025, Harare – The Atlas Transnational Roadshow launched today with an array of significant events designed to transform Africa’s role in the global economic arena. Together with government officials, the United Nations, industry experts, and policymakers, the roadshow highlighted Africa’s vast potential and its strategic path towards sustainable economic growth and innovation. As part of the broader Atlas Convention initiative, the goal is to trigger global investment flows into Africa by demonstrating the continent’s growing markets and development prospects.
Mr. Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, pointed out the paradoxes affecting Africa’s development despite its wealth of resources. “Africa boasts abundant financial, energy, and agricultural resources, yet struggles with extreme poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate energy access,” he remarked. He advocated for a comprehensive approach, addressing these challenges through integrated solutions. He assured that the UN remains a committed partner, armed with the UN 2.0 vision to promote innovation and sustainable progress throughout the continent.
The UN is currently undergoing renewal through the UN 2.0 vision. This vision represents a potent fusion of data, innovation, digital advancements, foresight, and behavioral science expertise—a dynamic blend dubbed the “quintet of change.” With a strong organizational culture at its core, UN 2.0 embodies a transformation towards becoming more agile, diverse, responsive, and impactful.
The transformation of Africa depends on pivotal transitions that can create significant impacts across the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These focus areas are: (1) food systems; (2) energy access and affordability; (3) digital connectivity; (4) education; (5) jobs and social protection; and (6) climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These transitions serve as an organizational framework highlighting investment opportunities that can accelerate SDG progress, foster transnational collaboration, encourage integrated innovation and apply an ecosystem approach. Annual reviews will be conducted with benchmarks at critical milestones towards achieving Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063.
Highlighting the significance of these events, Honourable N M Ndhlovu, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, discussed the strategic importance of the upcoming Atlas Convention 2025 in Victoria Falls. The convention exemplifies Africa’s resolve to emerge as an influential player on the global stage. With participation expected from over 136 countries, the convention provides a stage for Africa to showcase its potential to international investors. Honourable Ndhlovu emphasized the need for cross-sector collaboration to ensure smooth transitions into national and regional development strategies, utilizing initiatives like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) to boost intra-Africa trade and economic integration.
The Atlas Convention is a convergence point for knowledge, ideas, and solutions focused on sustainable development. Participants, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and civil society, will connect to learn, network, and collaborate while experiencing Africa’s cultural richness, wildlife, and natural beauty within the context of the Atlas National Innovation Ecosystem.
Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, reinforced these ideas by prioritizing inclusion and empowerment as key elements of Africa’s transformation. More than just a business initiative, the Atlas Convention is a developmental movement aimed at uplifting women’s voices and supporting small businesses. She underscored the need for supporting Small and Medium Enterprises and creating cross-border market linkages to advance inclusive trade and uphold economic dignity, insisting that Africa’s future is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of its women and communities.
The Atlas Transnational Roadshow and the forthcoming Atlas Convention play a crucial role in linking academia, industry, and policymakers with Africa’s grassroots innovators and stakeholders, gearing up to build new partnerships and advance sustainable development through the exchange of ideas and expertise. As these events progress across 25 countries, the shared goal remains steadfast—to guide Africa towards a future of sustainable prosperity drawn from its abundant potential and vibrant resources.
This ambitious endeavor calls for a united effort to invest not only in Africa’s natural resources but also in its people, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Success hinges not just on drawing foreign investment but also on leveraging and mobilizing domestic capabilities, which are central to sustained economic transformation on the continent.
Sirak Gebrehiwot is the UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe.
