Africa Industrialization Day 2007

The decision to name a special day to draw attention to the industrial development needs of Africa was taken by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 ...

... within the framework of the Second Development Decade for Africa (resolution 44/237 of 22 December 1989). For the past 18 years, it has been marked by celebrations in Africa, Vienna and New York, coordinated by UNIDO, the Economic Commission for Africa and the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). A special guest in Vienna at the 2007 celebration of Africa Industrialization Day was Mrs. Elisabeth Tankeu, Commission for Trade and Industry of the African Union (photo below). Mrs. Tankeu delivered a message on behalf of UNIDO, ECA and AU.

One of the most effective channels for eradicating poverty, creating wealth and enhancing competitiveness is through the acquisition, adaptation and application of relevant technologies. The New Partnership for Africa’s Development, under the auspices of the African Union, is making commendable efforts to provide a high-level platform for developing policies and setting priorities on science, technology and innovation for Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Africa’s Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action, endorsed by the African Union earlier this year, is an important step forward. The challenge now is to move forward with implementation. That means improving infrastructure for research and development and increasing the number of scientists, technicians and engineers on the continent. It means improving regional cooperation and building strong political and civil society constituencies supporting the promotion of science and technology in Africa.

On this Africa Industrialization Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting the various efforts aimed at harnessing science and technology in support of the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] in Africa. The United Nations system, including UNIDO, will continue to support these efforts.

The United Nations Secretary-General