For the third time, about 150 decision-makers and economic experts attended the session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) organised by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Central and Eastern Africa.
This year, the meeting was organised in partnership with the government of Cameroon to spark discussions and policy options on trade-related measures and innovation solutions that can help drive both the AfCFTA and economic diversification in the region.
The meeting was held from 15 to 18 October in Yaoundé and brought together policymakers and experts from 21 African countries.
“Innovation is an essential determinant of productivity growth, especially during this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Its significance is reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 which aims to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. ECA Deputy Executive Secretary Hanan Morsy said at the opening of the meeting.