Mauritius hosts the African Economic Conference 2022

Mauritius hosts the African Economic Conference 2022 (AEC) from 9 to 11 December, according to the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development of Mauritius, Dr. Ringanaden Badayashi.

The African Economic Conference is the leading African forum to discuss the continent’s emerging challenges and opportunities and is co-hosted by the African Development Bank, ECA and UNDP.

This year’s conference will be held in mixed form, namely, in the distance and in person, according to a press release, where delegates will meet in the port city of Balaclava, north-west of Mauritius and will be entitled “Supporting Climate Smart Development in Africa”.

“Hosting such a high-level event is truly a privilege and honour for Mauritius,” Padayashi said.

Padayashi referred to the Global Risk Report 2021, which described Africa as the continent most vulnerable to climate disasters and Mauritius as highly vulnerable.

The minister said the government was strongly committed to accelerating the country’s green transformation process, aiming to generate 60% of its capacity from renewable sources by 2030.

“Sustainable growth and inclusive development involve a cleaner, greener and more resilient economy in the face of climate change.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Director-General of the African Development Bank for South Africa commended the Government of Mauritius for agreeing to host the African Economic Conference 2022.

AEC 2022 provides a platform for in-depth reflection on strengthening institutional capacities to develop innovative climate-smart mechanisms to enhance Africa’s resilience and drive a shift to low-carbon development pathways.

Mbekani said: “Water supply and food production may be hampered by changing weather patterns. The most vulnerable areas of Africa are also among the most vulnerable owing to their dependence on unimplemented goods and lack of economic diversification. “

According to Mbekiani, climate-smart policymaking can become a driver of development across Africa and investments in building resilience to climate change can have broader economic and social benefits.

Mbekani highlighted the African Development Bank Group’s new policy and strategy on climate change and green growth for 2021-2030, which aims to address climate finance disparities across Africa and strengthen the continent’s voice on climate change issues.

Experts have warned that most Africa will suffer from extreme weather events, which have become more frequent and severe, causing damage to agriculture, tourism, cities, infrastructure, water, energy systems, and even the extraction sector.

Since its inception in 2006, AEC has supported research, policy discussion and knowledge-sharing on issues affecting Africa. This year, Mauritius expects more than 400 people to attend.