Fifty-seventh session of the Economic Commission for Africa Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

The opening will be presided over by the Chair of the outgoing Bureau of the Committee of Experts, until a new Bureau is elected. Opening statements will be delivered by the Chair of the outgoing Bureau, a Deputy Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and a representative of the Government of Ethiopia.

The composition of the new Bureau will be announced following consultations. The Bureau will comprise five members: one Chair, three Vice-Chairs and one Rapporteur, to be elected on the basis of equitable geographical representation.

Under this agenda item, a representative of the secretariat will introduce the overview of economic and social developments in Africa in 2024, highlighting recent developments in the global economy and their implications for Africa. The introduction will be followed by a general discussion on the main policy issues and recommendations contained in the report.

Under this agenda item, a representative of the secretariat will introduce the report on progress on regional integration in Africa and will highlight major challenges and constraints. The introduction will be followed by a general discussion on significant issues brought to the attention of the Committee by the secretariat.

A representative of the secretariat will give a brief presentation to introduce the theme of the fifty-seventh session, “Advancing the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: proposing transformative strategic actions”. In both the issues paper and the presentation, the issues of digitalization, technology and the energy transformation will also be covered. The presentation will be followed by a general discussion.

A representative of the secretariat will give a brief presentation to introduce the theme of the fifty-seventh session, “Advancing the implementation of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area: proposing transformative strategic actions”. In both the issues paper and the presentation, the issues of digitalization, technology and the energy transformation will also be covered. The presentation will be followed by a general discussion.

Under this agenda item, representatives of the secretariat will introduce documents prepared on various statutory issues relating to the work of ECA and of its subsidiary organs. The Committee of Experts may wish to consider and provide recommendations to the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for further guidance and action, as appropriate