Today is Africa Industrialization Day. Read what AGI experts have to say.
Africa in Focus
November 20, 2015

On this day 26 years ago, the United Nations proclaimed November 20 Africa Industrialization Day in an effort to mobilize a global commitment to industrial development in the region. This week, Brookings experts and colleagues reflect on what's needed to jump-start Africa's industrial sector, including the growth and survival of small businesses. 

FEATURED BLOGS

Workers walk towards heavy machinery at the construciton site of a new superhighway that was commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari in Cross river state, Nigeria, October 20, 2015.

Africa Industrialization Day through the micro lens

Eyerusalem Siba

Eyerusalem Siba answers six questions on the state of Africa's industrial sector for small and medium enterprises, growth prospects, challenges, and what the future holds for the region's development.

A mine worker returns from the Lonmin mine at the end of his shift, outside Rustenburg, northwest of Johannesburg October 5, 2015.

Made in Africa: Some new thinking for Africa Industrialization Day

John Page

While the annual commemoration should be reason to celebrate, the region's industrial decline is becoming a growing matter of concern for African leaders, explains John Page.

Construction workers direct a crane at the Radisson hotel site in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, September 12, 2015.

Industrial clusters: Who benefits?

Carol Newman

Carol Newman discusses the productivity benefits and challenges for firms that are concentrated in cities and industrial clusters.

A woman walks in front of her shack as the Lonmin mine is seen in the background in Rustenburg, 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Johannesburg (REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko).

Understanding FDI spillover mechanisms

John Rand

John Rand examines the indirect "spillover effects" from foreign direct investment (FDI), particularly for countries at low levels of industrial development.

ABOUT THE AFRICA GROWTH INITIATIVE

Global Economy and Development at Brookings launched the Africa Growth Initiative in September 2008 to build leading research capacity on economic and developmental policy solutions in Africa. The Initiative establishes an integrated program that combines incisive, rigorous academic research with long-term partnerships with Africa’s thought leaders and emerging policy experts to address issues of growth and development on the continent.

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