Africa Industrialization Day is observed on November 20 of every year. It is a day when the governments and organizations in African countries will explore several new ways to improve the process of Africa’s Industrialization. It is also a day to bring worldwide attention to the problems and challenges faced by the African industrialization process.

“Africa is a continent in flames. And deep down, if we really accepted that Africans were equal to us, we would all do more to put the fire out. We’re standing around with watering cans, when what we really need is the fire brigade.” – Bono

How to Celebrate Africa Industrialization Day

The day was first observed on November 20, 1990. The UN General Assembly proclaimed the date for this day on December 22, 1989. Then, the official declaration of November 20 as Africa Industrialization Day was announced in the 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 1989. The common symbol for the day is a geographical representation of the African continent with the island of Madagascar.

Africa Industrialization Day 2017 - November 20

Themes

2002 – “New information and communication technologies.”
2003 – “Acceleration of Africa’s integration into the global economy through effective industrialization and market access.”
2004 – “Strengthening productive capacity for poverty reduction within the framework of NEPAD.”
2005 – “Generating African competitiveness for sustainable market access.”
2006 – “Reducing poverty through sustainable industrial development.”
2007 – “Technology and innovation for industry: investing in people is investing in the future”
2008 – “Business through technology.”
2009 – “Industrialization for integration.”
2010 – “Competitive Industries for the Development of Africa.”
2011 – “Energizing Industrial Development in Africa through Sustainable Energy Access.”
2012 – “Accelerating Industrialization for Boosting Intra-Africa Trade.”
2013 – “Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Development.”
2014 – “Inclusive and sustainable industrial development: African agro-industry for food security.”
2015 – “SMEs for poverty eradication and job creation for women and youth.”
2016 – “Financing industrialization in Africa: Challenges and winning strategies.”
2017 – “African Industrial Development: A Pre-Condition for an Effective and Sustainable Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA).”
2018 – “Promoting Regional Value Chains in Africa: A pathway for accelerating Africa’s structural transformation, industrialization and pharmaceutical production.”
2019 – “Positioning African Industry to Supply the AfCFTA Market.”
2020 – “Inclusive and sustainable industrialization in the AfCFTA era.”
2021 – “Industrializing Africa: Renewed Commitment Towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification.”
2022 – “Industrialising Africa: Renewed Commitment towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification.”
2023 –

Other Celebrations on November 20

November 20 is also celebrated as

How to Celebrate the Day

On this day, several events will be conducted to bring together the leaders of African countries to strive for common goals that benefit the industrialization process. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will play a vital role in conducting those events. Post images and share your thoughts about the day on social media using the hashtag #AfricaIndustrializationDay.

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