Introduction

Africa Investment and Trade Forum (AFIC11), scheduled to take place in Algeria on May 10-11, 2025, is a strategic event aimed at strengthening economic and developmental integration across the African continent while aligning with the sustainable development goals outlined in Africa's Agenda 2063. The forum will bring together governments, investors, financial institutions, and civil society to discuss and activate strong partnerships that focus on the development of key sectors in Africa, contributing to inclusive and sustainable growth.

Promoting Economic and Regional Integration

Under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), AFIC11 offers a platform to boost intra-African trade and attract regional and international investments. This forum will enhance African countries' capacities to leverage available economic opportunities and their rich resources, fostering economic integration and achieving sustainable development goals. The AfCFTA serves as a crucial mechanism to support economic cooperation among African nations and drive industrial and trade development, ultimately improving the lives of people across the continent.

Focus on Vital Sectors

The forum will place particular emphasis on key sectors that form the backbone of economic development in Africa, especially given the abundance of natural resources and raw materials in many African countries. These resources will support the continent’s ability to achieve self-reliant industrialization and foster "Made in Africa" development. The sectors include:

• Agriculture and Agribusiness: Strengthening food security by developing agricultural value chains and adopting modern technologies to enhance productivity.
• Sustainable Energy: Investing in renewable energy and energy infrastructure to ensure access to sustainable and eco-friendly energy.
• Manufacturing: Focusing on developing manufacturing industries using local resources to add value and achieve industrial self-sufficiency.
• Digitalization: As part of economic transformation, digitalization will enhance government services and facilitate trade transactions.

The Importance of Knowledge and Industrialization

In addition to natural resources, knowledge transfer and skill development are critical for achieving sustainable development and industrialization in Africa. The forum will explore ways to enhance local capacities in technology, research and development, and vocational training to enable African nations to maximize their resources and achieve industrial growth that serves their economic development. AFIC11 will provide a platform to showcase successful models and explore methods to advance knowledge for local industrialization.

Achieving Sustainable Development and Building Capacities

Through discussions and workshops, the forum will highlight tools for financing development projects that help build robust infrastructure and strengthen countries' abilities to tackle economic and environmental challenges. AFIC11 will also focus on developing local expertise and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to increase their contribution to economic growth.

An Invitation to Shape Africa’s Future

We invite you to participate in AFIC11 and become part of the efforts to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic integration. This forum offers a unique opportunity to explore significant investment prospects in key sectors, discover raw materials and products, and build partnerships that drive development across Africa. Together, we can achieve the shared goals of Africa's Agenda 2063.