Africa Day 2018, Addis Ababa - Main contents

date	November 22, 2018
city	Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
location	Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
organisation	European Investment Bank (EIB) i

Africa is a continent in transformation, as more people move within countries and across borders than ever before. The continent has the youngest population in the world, some of the fastest growing economies, and rising potential in many sectors. But Africa also continues to suffer from persistent unemployment and poverty. The EIB’s Africa Day was created to explore the continent’s many challenges and discuss ways to tap into its huge potential. The event serves as a platform for debate in areas such as private sector development, finance for small businesses, jobs for youth and women, agriculture, innovation and digitalisation. EIB press contacts Anne-Laure Gaffuri Richard Willis Follow #africaday on Twitter Get our latest updates on Twitter Diverse economic growth This year’s event will be hosted by the EIB in partnership with UNIDO, the United Nations’ Industrial Development Organization. It will take place on 22 November in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The topic at the top of the list will be sustainable industrialisation, an important step in the development of diverse economic growth in Africa. Manufacturing is expected to expand quickly in Africa and create millions of jobs. The United Nations has identified industry, innovation and infrastructure as the ninth Sustainable Development Goal. Industry is of real importance for millions of ambitious young men and women in Africa who seek jobs and opportunities. Africa Day will examine why sustainable industrialisation is increasingly topping the policy and business agenda in African countries. It will explore how industry in Africa can become more appealing for European and African companies. Where are the opportunities for private investment in sustainable industrialisation? How can sustainable industrialisation help young entrepreneurs and women? Top-level discussions on breaking down barriers High-level speakers from diverse sectors and regions in Africa and Europe will attend Africa Day 2018. They will lead discussions on opportunities for growth and diversification. They will discuss ways to break down barriers and let Africa industrialise inclusively. The day will offer attendees a way to forge new partnerships, reinforce old ones and find new ways to help the continent. The event is open to chief executives, financial officers, government representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, nongovernmental groups and civil society leaders. Previous Africa Days have been in Luxembourg, Abidjan and Berlin, in partnership with the Luxembourg government, the African Development Bank and Afrika-Verein. More than 300 high-level participants commonly attend Africa Day. To apply for an invitation please contact events@eib.org EIB projects in Africa The EIB invests in a wide range of projects in sub-Saharan Africa, from providing financial support to allow microfinance institutions to lend small amounts to microenterprises and innovators, up to large infrastructure projects. No grid? No problem Electricity is a pre-requisite for economic development, just like clean water. Mobile money: Where Ethiopia leads Europe Millions benefit from Ethiopia mobile money service M-Birr. Africa microfinance: Access the Power Microfinance loans empower African small businesses and change lives. EIB videos on Africa Jobs for Africa Investment in Africa means jobs that don’t force people to leave their homes and families. Essential mobile money in Ethiopia M-Birr is the first mobile money service in Ethiopia. It enables social welfare payments to be made from any M-Birr agency. A 💡 brighter life for Kenyan women d.light is a company which provides a range of off-grid, solar-powered lighting solutions across the developing world.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is jointly owned by the EU countries. It seeks to:

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  boost Europe's potential in terms of jobs & growth