Africa Industrialization Day 2008
Processing raw materials for industrial growth and development
The 18th Africa Industrialization Day was organized under the theme “Processing raw materials for industrial growth and development”. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 20 November as Africa Industrialization Day - the yearly celebration was meant to create global awareness and mobilize the commitment of the international community for Africa’s industrialization efforts, and to assess the progress made in this direction; bringing together African leaders, the continent’s private sector, civil society and the UN system.
African Industrialization Day 2008 was celebrated throughout UNIDO, including all regional and liaison offices. A symposium and reception was organized at UNIDO headquarters. It was attended by representatives of the international community. An eminent practitioner in the field of raw material transformation, Dr. Godfrey Nzamujo, Director of the Songhai Center of Benin, acted as a guest speaker. The Songhai Center is an institution for training, production, research and development of sustainable agricultural practices, aiming at augmenting the standard of living of Africa's populations.
Statements were also delivered on this occasion, on behalf of the Executive Heads of the African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa and UNIDO, as well as of the United Nations Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly.
For more information, please contact:
Massata Cisse
Chief, Africa Programme
