United Nations Economic Commission for Africa - Ideas for a prosperous Africa

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  Zambia Hosts National Workshop to Strengthen SDG Localization, Voluntary Local Reviews, and Infrastructure Asset Management

  par eskinder.tsegaye le March 3, 2026

  2 March, 2026Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintLusaka, 2 March 2026 (ECA) – A national Training and Peer Learning Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Localization, Voluntary Local Reviews (VLRs), and Infrastructure Asset Management for local and central government officials opened today in Lusaka, bringing together key stakeholders to accelerate Zambia’s progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Zambia is participating in the continental initiative “Strengthening Local and National Government Capacities for SDG Localization in Africa”, which aims to support the development of new VLRs and provide targeted capacity-building to accelerate SDG implementation. A major focus is the integration of infrastructure asset management planning, a vital tool for local authorities to enhance resilience, improve service delivery, and increase the long-term value of public infrastructure. Supported by funding from the Government of Italy, a longstanding partner in SDG localization efforts, the four‑day workshop, running from 2 to 5 March 2026, is jointly organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Division for Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA). Speaking during the opening session, Ms. Prudence Kaoma, Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, in a speech delivered by Ms. Jamie Mukuwa, Head of Internal Audit, emphasized the urgency of accelerating implementation: “With only a few years remaining to 2030, we must move from policy to practice, from commitment to implementation, and from planning to measurable impact.” Earlier, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development noted that local authorities support the integration of the Global Goals into development plans. "Local authorities are the critical bridge between national policy and community impact...addressing key issues identified in SDG implementation, including integration of the SDGs into development plans." He said this is a speech delivered on his behalf by Director for Physical Planning, Mr. Patson Phiri. Mr. Federico Pucillo, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Italy in Zambia, highlighted the difficult global context for SDG progress, noting recent UN findings that show only about 17 per cent of SDG targets being on track. “This is not a reason for discouragement, but a call for intensified effort. We know that two thirds of the SDG targets cannot be achieved without the direct engagement of local and regional governments. Therefore, by strengthening your capacity to plan, budget, and manage assets at the local level, you are providing the essential impulse needed to get the SDGs back on track in the last push to 2030.” In remarks delivered on her behalf by Ms. Martha Haipinge, Head of Office, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Ms. Beatrice Mutali, highlighted the central role of local governance in achieving the SDGs: “The SDGs will not be achieved in global forums or national offices alone. They will be achieved in districts, wards, and communities through decisions taken by local authorities, working with citizens, traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector.” Lusaka Mayor Her Worship Ms. Chilando Chitangala underscored the strategic importance of asset management for urban development: “Cities are asset-heavy but often resource-constrained. That is why infrastructure asset management is not a technical add-on. It is a strategic instrument for fiscal sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth. When we manage our roads, drainage systems, markets, schools, clinics, and public infrastructure strategically, we protect public value and strengthen long-term development outcomes.” The workshop has convened experts from national and subnational institutions across key sectors finance, local government, infrastructure, green economy, and environment alongside representatives from the Zambia Statistics Agency, the Local Government Association of Zambia, Lusaka City Council, 20 local authorities, academia, civil society organizations, development partners and the United Nations staff. The event is being held in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development; the Ministry of Finance and National Planning SDG Coordination Unit; the Ministry of Infrastructure and Urban Development; the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment; the Local Government Association of Zambia; the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office; and the Zambia Statistics Agency. Through presentations, group exercises, peer learning, and structured discussions, participants will strengthen their capacity for inclusive and data‑driven SDG localization and planning, better integrate infrastructure asset management into SDG efforts, and deepen their understanding of VLR processes and asset management planning. The workshop will also establish a community of practice to support ongoing exchange and collaboration. Background Achieving the SDGs requires coordinated action across all levels of government and society. Since 2015, evidence has consistently shown that national–local collaboration delivers more inclusive and sustainable outcomes. With approximately 65% of SDG targets linked to the mandates of local and regional governments, local action remains indispensable for achieving the Goals. In Zambia, SDG acceleration is being advanced through integration into national development plans and budgets, supported by decentralization reforms that transfer more resources and decision‑making authority to local governments. These reforms aim to enhance service delivery, promote local development, and increase citizen participation in governance. Issued by:The Sub-Regional Office for Southern AfricaUN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)P.O. Box 30647, Lusaka, Zambia. Media Contacts:Ms. Lavender Degre, Communication Officer, Tel: +260 211 228502/5 Ext. 21307DL: +260 211 376607, Email: lavender.degre@un.org

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  ECA builds a knowledge alliance to drive evidence-based economic diversification in central Africa

  par eskinder.tsegaye le March 2, 2026

  16 February, 2026Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintYaoundé, 16 February 2026 (ECA) – On the occasion of the first edition of the Cafés de la Diversification Economique (CaDE), the Subregional Office for Central Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) launched a major “ideas marketing” initiative aimed at strengthening the knowledge foundations of economic transformation in the subregion. The objective is to foster broad ownership of the “Douala Consensus.” The ambition is no longer merely to produce reports, but to build an ecosystem in which industrial leaders, researchers, and policymakers speak a common language, grounded in evidence and driven by action. During an Open Day held on 16 February 2026, marked by in-depth exchanges with representatives of academic institutions (universities, research centers, and think tanks) and an exhibition of ECA’s flagship knowledge products, the Office consolidated its partnerships with research institutions. Seven universities, seven research centers and think tanks, along with a representative cross-section of private sector actors and civil society organizations, responded to the invitation—demonstrating growing interest in structured cooperation around economic transformation. This momentum has laid the groundwork for the establishment of a regional network of think tanks and research centers, designed to strengthen the continuum between ECA’s operational research and academic fundamental research. At the midpoint of the Decade of Economic Diversification in Central Africa (2021–2030), Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the Subregional Office, emphasized: “Central Africa’s true transformation is first and foremost knowledge. The priority is to break down the barriers between technical expertise and academic research in order to build robust and credible public policies. At the same time, given the evolving economic landscape of the subregion, it is urgent that intellectual production supports and accelerates economic diversification policies.” Participants unanimously recommended institutionalizing the Cafés de la Diverisifcation Economique as a permanent platform for the co-creation of evidence-based public policies. Professor Bruno Ongo Nkoa, Director of the Research Center in Economics and Management at the University of Yaoundé II, noted: “This platform will enable research to engage more effectively with public policy and exert greater influence. It will also allow our researchers to produce more technical and policy-relevant analyses tailored to decision-makers’ needs.” The CaDE initiative reflects a strategic shift: ECA is positioning itself not only as a center of technical expertise, but as a central actor in the regional economic policy debate and a catalyst for a collective narrative on structural transformation. Dr. Alfred Ramdaji of the University of N’Djamena called for deeper integration of ECA’s ideas into academic curricula: “The ideas, actions, and concepts promoted by ECA, particularly the Douala Consensus as a pathway out of the current economic model, should be taught in universities. We must adapt training curricula to reflect our strategic development challenges.” Through this alliance with research institutions and knowledge actors, ECA is laying the foundations for a regional coalition of influence capable of embedding economic diversification firmly within public policy frameworks and public discourse. Media QueriesZacharie Roger MBARGA - Communications OfficerUnited Nations Economic Commission for Africa637, rue 3.069, Quartier du Lac, Yaoundé, CameroonTel: (+237) 222504348E-mail: zacharie.mbargayene@un.org Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: eca-info@un.org

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  Central Africa: new “Ambassadors for economic diversification” to drive the narrative of structural transformation

  par eskinder.tsegaye le March 2, 2026

  17 February, 2026Share this:facebooktwitteremailprint  Yaoundé, 17 February 2026 (ECA) – The inaugural edition of the Cafés de la Diversification Economiqueconcluded with a milestone achievement: the official launch of the Central African Economic Press Network. Economic journalists from across the sub-region have stepped into their new roles as "Ambassadors for Economic Diversification." Their mission is to advocate for bold public policy shifts and accelerate the structural transformation of Central African economies. The network aims to demystify complex technocratic concepts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), regional value chains, natural capital, satellite accounts, and the blue economy, turning them into accessible, high-stakes topics for public debate. In their daily editorial work, these journalists are committed to mobilizing policymakers, private sector leaders, and the general public around the transformational projects spearheaded by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). This initiative is a key pillar of the Decade of Economic Diversification in Central Africa (2021-2030), adding a societal dimension to the ECA’s efforts to help Member States reshape their economic development. By uniting economic journalists from Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, ECA is shifting its "Marketing of Ideas" into high gear. "This initiative is a game-changer for us," said Aristide Aboudi Ottou, Head of the EcoFin Agency in Democratic Republic of Congo. " Raising awareness among policymakers about economic diversification is already a daily priority for us. Personally, I will be following the ECA’s proposals very closely. This network is going to truly enhance our work; by having direct access to the ECA’s research and reports, we’ll be able to deliver much more impactful economic news. We also look forward to the ECA further helping us strengthen our skills and expertise." Modeste Okome Mezui, Head of the Economics Desk at Gabon 24 TV, added: "our efforts to promote the AfCFTA and regional integration have often hit a wall: the lack of economic diversification. We must urgently advocate for a change in our economic model. By exporting raw materials, we are effectively exporting jobs. Joining forces with the ECA to champion this change is not just logical, it is a necessity given the current economic urgency in Central Africa." For ECA Sub-Regional Office for Central Africa, the goal is clear: to move economic diversification from an "option" to an imperative for sustainable development, powered by a professional, structured, and engaged economic press. As Jean Luc Mastaki, Director of the Sub-Regional Office, emphasized: "We are not just looking for media coverage or 'buzz.' We are co-constructing a powerful and credible regional economic narrative that will drive action on diversification." Media Contact:Zacharie Roger MBARGA – Communications OfficerUnited Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)637, Rue 3.069, Quartier du Lac, Yaoundé, CameroonTel: (+237) 222504348Email: zacharie.mbargayene@un.org Issued by:Communications SectionEconomic Commission for AfricaPO Box 3001Addis AbabaEthiopiaTel: +251 11 551 5826E-mail: eca-info@un.org

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  Remarks by Mr. Antony Bardakjian at the International Mother Language Day

  par eskinder.tsegaye le February 26, 2026

  25 February, 2026Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintRemarks by Antony Bardakjian, Deputy Head of Mission   International Mother Language Day event – ECA, February, 2026   Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear participants, All protocols observed. At the beginning, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the ECA, as a traditional host and organizer of this important celebration, as well as the Embassy of People’s Republic of Bangladesh and UNESCO for their leadership and commitment to continuously commemorate the International Mother Language Day in Addis Ababa, a vibrant city of diverse culture. Armenia, as a traditional co-sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution on “Multilingualism” stands ready to contribute to the promotion of this important issue within the United Nations, but well beyond of existing multilateral frameworks. It is the mother language that shapes the person and a nation, preserves the history, traditions and forms the future. With all the emerging technologies and rapid phase of globalization which was unseen before in human history, it is of utmost importance to take care of the one thing – our mother language - that defines our identity most and exposes the cultural diversity of many nations and people who ever walked on Earth.       But there are some lucky people, like me, who have multiple mother languages. Being born in Syria but growing up in an Armenian family I carry the wisdom and richness of both Armenian and Arabic cultures. We share with our Arab neighbors ancient civilizational ties with our cultures place strong emphasis on mother language, education, storytelling, poetry, music, and the preservation of collective memory. We understand the importance of language as a guardian of identity - whether Armenian or Arabic - and the responsibility to pass it on to future generations. نتشارك مع جيراننا العرب روابط حضارية عريقة، إذ تولي ثقافاتنا أهمية كبيرة للغة الأم، والتعليم، والسرد القصصي، والشعر، والموسيقى، وصون الذاكرة الجماعية. ونحن ندرك أهمية اللغة بوصفها حارسًا للهوية — سواء كانت أرمنية أم عربية — والمسؤولية الملقاة على عاتقنا في نقلها إلى الأجيال القادمة. As a nation we are very proud to have one of the oldest living alphabets crafted by saint Mesrop Mashtots over 1600 years ago in 405 BC, which since then became the backbone of our identity. As the tradition goes on the first sentence that was written down in new letters was an exempt from Book of Proverbs, 1:2;   b“Ճանաչել զիմաստութիւն եւ զխրատ, իմանալ զբանս հանճարոյ: For gaining wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding.”   It well captures Armenians’ attitude towards the value and importance of the preservation of knowledge and wisdom of the past. For centuries Armenian monasteries were famous educational and scientific hubs welcoming not only Armenian scholars but also foreigners. The Armenian translations made in the Middle Ages are particularly significant because they have helped preserve many original works that were not saved in their native languages and are now only known through Armenian translations. For centuries the Armenian Catholicosate was hosting and preserving thousands of manuscripts in Armenian and foreign languages passing it from generation to generation, until in 1959 this vast heritage was institutionalized and converted into the Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts named after Mesrop Mashtots. Today it is a unique scientific research institute and crown jewel of Armenian academic field. Matenadaran houses approximately 20,000 manuscripts in Armenian and other languages such as Greek, Arabic, Persian, Ottoman, Assyrian, Latin, Geʿez/Ethiopian, Georgian, Hebrew, and others. Matenadaran was registered in UNESCO’s “World Memory” list in 1997. Later in 2019 Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions were inscribed on the UNESCO’s representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Institute has developed a vibrant cooperation with institutions abroad in partnership with international organizations such as UNESCO including through sharing expertise based on joint projects like “Revive the Spirit of Mosul” initiative. As we would say in Armenian «ավելի լավ է մի անգամ տեսնել քան հազար անգամ լսել» meaning "A picture is worth a thousand words" we would like to share with you a short video to get a glimpse of what Armenian letters are look like and what Matenadaran possess. Enjoy the video and thank you for your attention!

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  Remarks by H.E. Néfertiti Mushiya Tshibanda at the International Mother Language Day

  par eskinder.tsegaye le February 26, 2026

  25 February, 2026Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintRemarks by H.E. Mrs. Néfertiti Mushiya Tshibanda, Representative of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) to the AU and ECA   International Mother Language Day ECA, 25 February 2026   Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear guests,   Each language we celebrate today carries with it a vision of the world, a collective memory, and a unique way of inhabiting the future. In Africa, a continent of youth and diversity, each language is a living heritage. The linguistic wealth is one of the richest in the world, and the defense of mother languages is a matter of dignity, equity, and cultural sovereignty. It is at the heart of inclusion, citizen participation, and the stability of societies. The promotion of cultural and linguistic diversity is the very foundation of the Francophone project. In these times of upheaval for multilateralism, it is more than ever at the center of its advocacy on the international stage. It is also the guiding principle of its action on the ground, for the benefit of populations. The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) is proud to join in the celebration of International Mother Language Day each year. I would like to warmly thank the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the partner embassies for inviting us. The OIF has made multilingualism one of its priorities because it firmly believes that respect for languages is inseparable from action for peace and development. And for the OIF, social cohesion and living together are built in schools, every day, in every classroom. Language is a marker of identity, and languages therefore play an essential role in the life of societies and in the development of individuals, in the transmission of values and knowledge. Unfortunately, some languages are invisible. According to UNESCO, more than 4 out of 10 students worldwide still do not have access to education in the language they speak or understand best. As a result, these students' learning is compromised, and inequalities are widening compared to those who have access to education in their mother language. The OIF, through the Institut de la Francophonie pour l'éducation et la formation (IFEF) based in Dakar, has been addressing this challenge since 2012 by implementing the “ELAN – Ecoles et Langues nationales” programme. By combining an African language and French in basic education to facilitate and improve learning and teaching, the ELAN programme offers an innovative approach to bilingual and multilingual education using, on the one hand, African national languages that are understood and valued by students, particularly their mother language, and, on the other hand, French. It thus promotes inclusive education for all. Currently, the ELAN programme provides technical and financial support to 13 partner countries in Africa. It is implemented thanks to the commitment of ministries of Education and decentralized educational services, teacher training colleges, university faculties and departments of linguistics, and primary schools. The results for the populations are tangible: 46 African national languages equipped, 230,000 teachers impacted, and 11.5 million students reached. However, these encouraging results remind us that the progress made must be consolidated and amplified. They call for renewed commitment from States, stronger partnerships, and increased cooperation between regional and international organizations. To celebrate the values underlying this initiative, the Institut de la Francophonie pour l'éducation et la formation (IFEF) organized the second edition of the “storytelling competition in national languages” this year on the theme “Vive la diversité linguistique!”, the results of which were published on 21 February 2026.  Four stories won awards: a story in Kabiyè by the fifth-grade class at Tchaloudè Public Elementary School in Togo; a story in Dioula by the third-grade class at Kong Public Elementary School in Côte d’Ivoire; a story in Soso by the fifth-grade class at Gangan Public Elementary School in Guinea; and a story in Fulfulde by the fourth-grade class at the EPPPM Meskin G2 school in Cameroon. This competition highlighted those who embody the future of languages. Because wherever students learn, tell stories, sing, and create in their mother languages, they turn those languages into tools for learning, expression, and pride. It is with great pleasure that we present excerpts from the winning stories. Investing in mother languages means investing in peace, social cohesion, and the future of the continent. And as we say in Tshiluba, my mother language: [Ndi munu twasakidila] Which means in English: Thank you.

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  Speech by Ms. Rita Bissoonauth at the International Mother Language Day

  par eskinder.tsegaye le February 25, 2026

  25 February, 2026Share this:facebooktwitteremailprintInternational Mother Language Day 25 February 2026, Addis.Ababa   Excellencies,  Distinguished Ambassadors, Honored Representatives of Partner Organizations, Dear Guests, Friends of Linguistic Diversity, Ladies and Gentlemen, Very happy to join this commemoration of International Mother Language Day. This is more than a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of who we are. We gather today to recognize a simple, powerful truth: our languages are far more than tools for communication. They are the living guardians of our identity, the vessels of our culture, and the very lens through which we view the world. Since its proclamation by UNESCO in 1999, this day has served as a vital global reminder. It reminds us that within each language lies the accumulated wisdom of generations, our stories, our values, our beliefs, and our dreams. Our mother tongue is the language of our first lullaby, the language of our earliest memories. It is how we understand our past and how we envision our future. Today, we come together to affirm, loudly and clearly, that linguistic diversity is not an obstacle to unity, but a fundamental pillar of peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable societies. As UNESCO has consistently emphasized, promoting multilingualism is a key instrument for fostering lasting peace, tolerance, and mutual respect between peoples. Each language is a unique and irreplaceable source of human creativity and knowledge. Yet, this source is under threat. Across the globe, languages are disappearing at an alarming rate. With each one that falls silent, we lose an entire world of meaning, an invaluable piece of our shared human heritage. Currently, over 8,000 languages are spoken or signed worldwide. But many remain marginalized, excluded from education, public life, and the digital spaces that define our modern era. As the Director-General of UNESCO has powerfully stated, “A language is far more than a means of communication; it is the very condition of our humanity.” This diversity of tongues is not a barrier; it is a testament to the irreducible richness of human imagination and our countless ways of life. Here, in the African region, the cradle of humanity and a land of exceptional linguistic wealth, this truth resonates deeply. Our mother languages are a living heritage, an unbreakable link between generations, and a powerful vector for social cohesion. They are our repositories of memory, the wellsprings of our cultural innovation, and the bridges to a shared and prosperous future. However, let us be clear-eyed about the challenge. We know that approximately 40% of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand. This single fact limits a child's ability to learn, to succeed, and to contribute fully to their community and society. This is why promoting mother tongue-based multilingual education is not just a cultural imperative; it is a matter of justice, equity, and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Therefore, on this day, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, educational authorities, local communities, teachers, and, most importantly, our youth, to turn commitment into concrete action. We call upon all stakeholders to join us in a collective effort to: Ensure every child has the fundamental right to learn in a language they understand and value. Place linguistic diversity at the very heart of our educational, cultural, and digital policies. Strengthen the institutional frameworks that protect, revitalize, and promote all languages, especially those of minorities and indigenous peoples. On this solemn and celebratory day, let us remember that our languages are irreplaceable human treasures. They are living legacies that we have a sacred obligation to nurture and pass on to our children, our communities, and all future generations. They are central to our ability to learn, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to live together in peace, enriched by all our diversity. So today, let us answer the call to action. Let us commit to: Integrate mother tongues at every level of our educational systems. Support public policies that solidify the role of local languages in civic and cultural life. Encourage the creation of inclusive digital content and language technologies that embrace our youth and leave no one behind. Let us stand together and celebrate the immeasurable richness of our mother languages. Let us celebrate the diversity that enriches us, unites us, and inspires us. And let us pledge to build a world where every language has its rightful place, where every voice is not only heard but celebrated, and where no child grows up in silence, alienated from their own linguistic heritage. Thank you.