EU-Sub-Saharan Africa challenges and opportunities: Engine for Growth and Job Creation?

The huge scale of demographic challenge, coupled with the impact of climatic changes on fragile populations, is a fundamental threat for European and African stability alike, even though rapid African economic growth bears at the same time the promise of fantastic opportunities. Indeed, 5 percent yearly growth will not be sufficient to fulfil this promise. The fertility rate will not be controlled unless decisive progress is made in educating more women. Both demographic and economic trends will need to be channelled and as soon as possible for African development to become sustainable.

The rise of a “smart”, connected Africa is allowing countries across the continent to leapfrog several stages of development in key areas such as banking and telecommunications and is reshaping business and society. Despite this, growth in several African countries has slowed in recent years after more than a decade of solid expansion. Rickety infrastructure, skills shortages, weak governance and a reliance on commodities continue to plague the continent, underscoring the need for economic diversification for sustained, inclusive growth in areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education and banking. Agenda 2063 is the African Union’s blueprint for the future based on inclusive growth and sustainable development. It calls for an integrated Africa guided by Pan-African ideals: an Africa shaped by good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and rule of law; a peaceful and secure Africa; an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics; an Africa whose development is people-driven with a key role for women and the youth; a strong, united Africa that can be an influential global player. Smart Specialization underlines the importance of the preparation process which occurs at the regional/country level of the research and innovation strategies.

Leading Questions:

• How can we address the governance, political and stability challenges facing Africa and the EU?
• How can we develop policies to encourage female leadership and participation in politics, business and society?
• How can we mobilise investment for structural transformation Africa?
• What can we do to foster business in Africa including in areas such as health and agriculture?
• Kenya—the silicon savannah
• EU-Africa relations
• EU - Economic Partnership Agreement – how to enhance its effectiveness
• The African Union: Autocracy, Diplomacy and Peacebuilding in Africa
• Compact with Africa: fostering private long-term investment in Africa 

9.00-9.30 Welcome address
Speakers

• Professor Piotr Wachowiak – Rector, SGH Warsaw School of Economics
• Phd Michał Matusewicz - Dean of Collegium Management and Finance