In just three days, Rabat will host the 4th edition of the Africa Economic Symposium (AES), bringing together economists, policymakers, central bankers, researchers, and development practitioners representing more than 40 nationalities.
Over two days, participants will address a question that is increasingly shaping Africa’s economic outlook: How can the continent turn today’s global transitions into sustained and inclusive growth?
The Symposium takes place against a demanding economic backdrop. Borrowing costs remain elevated, fiscal space is narrowing, and climate shocks are placing growing pressure on economies and communities. At the same time, technological change, shifting investment patterns, and the rising strategic importance of critical minerals are transforming the foundations of competitiveness and growth.
Together, these forces are reshaping the policy landscape for African economies and will be at the heart of this year’s discussions.
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AES DISCUSSIONS: WHAT'S AT STAKE?
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Rarely have so many structural transitions unfolded simultaneously, and every major transition presents both opportunity and risk.
The global race for critical minerals could accelerate industrialization or reinforce commodity dependence. Artificial intelligence could raise productivity or deepen inequalities between firms, workers, and countries. The energy transition could attract new investment or leave governments managing stranded assets and underfunded infrastructure. Debt restructuring could restore fiscal space or simply postpone the reforms needed to strengthen domestic capital markets.
The outcome will depend not only on external conditions, but also on the quality of domestic policies, the strength of institutions, and the ability of governments to act before emerging opportunities begin to narrow.
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Under the theme “Turning Transitions into Growth,” the Symposium will move beyond diagnosing current challenges to examining the policy choices that will determine future outcomes.
Discussions will cover macroeconomic management, sovereign debt, natural-resource governance, climate finance, technology-led transformation, social protection, investment, and financing sustainable transitions.
The Symposium will also mark the launch of the seventh edition of the PCNS Annual Report on the African Economy, featuring new analysis from more than thirty African and international experts.
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A SESSION NOT TO MISS: MANAGING THE WORLD CUP ECONOMY
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In this year’s edition, football will be the headline.
As a co-host of the 2030 World Cup, Morocco has a major opportunity to turn the tournament into a long-term driver of investment, tourism, jobs, infrastructure and regional development.
This session will explore how Morocco can maximize the event’s economic and social legacy, avoid cost overruns and underused infrastructure, and ensure that local firms, cities and communities benefit well beyond the final whistle.
Because the true measure of success will not be the tournament itself, but the legacy it leaves behind.
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A DISTINGUISHED LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS
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The Symposium will bring together senior officials from governments and central banks, alongside representatives from multilateral institutions, universities, development finance institutions, and leading international think tanks.
The value of the meeting lies not only in the diversity of perspectives represented, but also in the interaction between those producing research, those designing policy, and those responsible for implementation.
At a time when uncertainty is reshaping economic decision-making, informed dialogue has become an economic asset. Participants will challenge assumptions, test ideas, exchange evidence, and build connections across institutions, disciplines, and regions.
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The questions are clear, but the answers are still being written.
Over two days, the Africa Economic Symposium will provide a space to examine evidence, challenge assumptions, and explore the policy choices that will shape Africa's next phase of growth.
See you in Rabat on July 13–14.
Policy Center for the New South.
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Policy Center for the New South
Rabat Campus of Mohammed VI Polytechnic University Rocade Rabat Salé 11103, Morocco
www.policycenter.ma | contact@policycenter.ma
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Ce traitement a été notifié et autorisé par la CNDP au titre du récépissé N° D-NL-718/2020
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