Tangier, Morocco, 30 March 2026 – The Committee of Experts of the fifty-eighth session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development concluded its deliberations today, setting the technical foundation for ministerial discussions on advancing Africa’s economic transformation through innovation, data and frontier technologies.
Over three days, experts from across the continent, alongside development partners and institutions, engaged in in-depth discussions on the theme: “Growth through innovation: harnessing data and frontier technologies for the economic transformation of Africa.” The deliberations focused on strengthening digital governance, enhancing productivity, and positioning Africa as a strategic actor in the global digital economy.
In her closing remarks, Economic Commission for Africa’s Deputy Executive Secretary and Chief Economist Hanan Morsy commended participants for the depth and quality of their engagement, noting that their contributions would directly inform ministerial decision-making.
“Your rigorous analysis and thoughtful recommendations form the technical foundation that will guide our ministers and shape priorities at global, regional and national levels,” she said.
The Committee met against a backdrop of rapid technological change, shifting global economic dynamics, and increasing competition around data governance and artificial intelligence. Experts emphasized that while these trends present risks, they also offer unprecedented opportunities for Africa to accelerate structural transformation.
Throughout the session, participants examined how innovation, digital technologies and improved data governance can serve as catalysts for productivity, diversification and inclusive growth. They underscored the need for Africa to move beyond being a consumer of global technologies to becoming an active shaper of the rules governing the digital economy.
“The choices we make will determine whether Africa merely adapts to global change or actively shapes its own future,” DES Morsy stressed.
Discussions also addressed Africa’s macroeconomic context, highlighting a fragile recovery amid global uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions, rising import costs, constrained fiscal space and elevated public debt. Experts called for strengthened policy coordination, investment in infrastructure and human capital, and innovative financing solutions to navigate these challenges.
Building on the outcomes of the Committee of Experts, upcoming high-level side events are expected to further explore inclusive approaches to innovation, including health financing, women’s economic empowerment, digital inclusion and sustainable financing mechanisms. These engagements will provide an opportunity to deepen dialogue and reinforce the central role of partnerships in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
The Committee also reviewed the progress of the Economic Commission for Africa’s work programme and put forward recommendations aimed at enhancing support to member States, particularly in the areas of data governance, digital infrastructure and evidence-based policymaking.
As the session concluded, a strong consensus emerged on the urgency of leveraging innovation and frontier technologies to drive Africa’s transformation, while strengthening resilience to external shocks.
The outcomes of the Committee of Experts will feed into the ministerial segment of the Conference, where African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development are expected to adopt policy recommendations to guide the continent’s development trajectory.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
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Addis Ababa
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E-mail: eca-info@un.org