Addis Ababa, 19 November 2025 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) concluded the fourth session of the Committee on Private Sector Development, Regional Integration, Trade, Infrastructure, Industry and Technology (CPRTIIT), held on 18–19 November 2025 in Addis Ababa under the theme “Leveraging frontier technologies and innovation to advance regional integration for sustainable and inclusive growth.”
The session brought together representatives of ECA member States, regional economic communities, intergovernmental organizations, academia and other stakeholders to discuss how innovation and emerging technologies can accelerate economic transformation and deepen Africa’s integration.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary welcomed participants and underscored the rapid technological advances and the deepening integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting ECA’s commitment to supporting African countries in leveraging innovation to drive sustainable growth.
“Africa is entering a decisive moment,” said the Executive Secretary of ECA. “Frontier technologies—if strategically governed and inclusively deployed—can strengthen regional value chains, enhance productivity and unlock new pathways for industrialization. Through the AfCFTA, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to harness innovation to advance a more integrated, prosperous and resilient continent.”
Ahead of the Committee meeting, three expert group meetings reviewed:
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A draft study on standards and norms for successful special economic zones;
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The findings of Assessing Regional Integration in Africa XI (ARIA XI); and
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The integrated planning and reporting toolkit supporting alignment of national plans with the Awaza Programme of Action, Agenda 2063, the 2030 Agenda and the Doha Programme of Action for LDCs.
Highlight of the Discussions
Committee members emphasized that frontier technologies — including artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, digital finance, renewable energy and e-mobility — are reshaping opportunities across the continent. Participants stressed the need for investment in skills, research, infrastructure and innovation ecosystems to ensure these technologies drive inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.
Regional economic communities highlighted ongoing work to strengthen integration through digital trade facilitation tools, harmonization of standards and regional digital payment platforms.
Participants also noted that frontier technologies could support youth employment, strengthen SMEs, expand value addition and deepen intra-African trade.
Key Recommendations
The Committee issued recommendations encouraging member States to, inter alia:
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Strengthen digital skills and innovation ecosystems;
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Expand access to finance for young innovators and SMEs;
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Enhance intellectual property rights systems; and
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Scale up digital trade solutions to reduce trade costs and facilitate intra-African trade.
The Committee further encouraged ECA to continue supporting member States through technical assistance, youth entrepreneurship initiatives, improved IP frameworks and guidance on digital trade readiness.
Background
The CPRTIIT provides a platform for member States to review regional integration, trade, infrastructure, industry and technology priorities, to exchange knowledge and to guide the work of ECA’s Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) and ECA’s subprogramme on Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development (TICID), reinforcing the continent’s integration and transformation agenda.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org