Africa Industrialization Day: Pursuing Sustainable Development Goals
Every year on November 20, the world observes Africa Industrialization Day. The day serves as a reminder to African countries about the importance of industrial development in achieving sustained and inclusive economic growth.
African countries, with a median age of 19.7 and an estimated population rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, have been urged to pursue industrial development to eradicate poverty and create employment opportunities for their young population.
To accommodate all those young people, African countries would need to create 20 million jobs every year to keep up with population growth.
Africa’s Industrialization Challenges
In the wake of the wave of independence that swept across Africa in the 1960s, countries adopted different industrialization strategies. During the Cold War, countries that followed a centrally-planned economic model received support from the communist bloc, while those embracing a market economy were supported by the West.
With the end of the Cold War, a global liberal order emerged. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank introduced Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs), which were a set of economic reforms that countries needed to implement in order to secure loans. One of the main criteria was opening their markets for free trade.
This emphasis on free trade led to the exportation of subsidized products from industrialized nations to African countries at dumping prices, undermining local industrialization processes. As a result, many African countries remain producers of raw materials while most of the value-added work in manufacturing industries is done outside the continent.
Despite the political and economic challenges facing African countries, progress is still being made. Second-quarter data for 2021 shows that African manufacturing output has reached 17.8%.
Sustainable Industrialization as the Way Forward
However, considering global challenges like climate change, it remains questionable whether pursuing industrialization dependent on fossil fuels makes sense. The countries least responsible for causing climate change are the ones suffering the most from its effects, especially regarding food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies. African countries are particularly affected by climate change. Therefore, should the continent continue to pursue old ways of industrialization that have contributed to the climate crisis?
Africa has the potential to learn from other regions and embark on a path towards sustainable industrialization. The continent has abundant potential for alternative energies such as wind, solar, and water, which can be harnessed to industrialize with low-carbon energy.
Although the transition to a green economy comes at a price, it makes sense to consider the long-term effects. Acting now will be cheaper in the long run.
The potential is there — now it is about acting on it. It’s up to African leaders to lead the world towards sustainable industrialization.
Edited by: Rob Mudge
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis:
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
The article discusses the importance of industrial development for sustained and inclusive economic growth in African countries. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The article also mentions the challenges faced by African countries in their industrialization efforts, which relates to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article highlights the impact of climate change on African countries and the need for sustainable industrialization, connecting to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Finally, the article mentions the potential for alternative energies such as wind, solar, and water in Africa, linking to SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities.
- SDG 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified include achieving full and productive employment for young people (SDG 8.5), promoting sustainable industrialization and increasing industry’s share of employment and GDP (SDG 9.2), integrating climate change measures into national policies (SDG 13.2), and increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (SDG 7.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Manufacturing output percentage
- Job creation rate
- Adherence to climate change measures in national policies
- Share of renewable energy in the energy mix
The article mentions that African manufacturing output has reached 17.8% in the second quarter of 2021, indicating progress towards the target of promoting sustainable industrialization (SDG 9.2). The article also highlights the need for African countries to create 20 million jobs every year to keep up with population growth, which can be used as an indicator for achieving full and productive employment (SDG 8.5). Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change measures into national policies and mentions the impact of climate change on African countries, implying the need for indicators related to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Finally, the article mentions the potential for alternative energies such as wind, solar, and water in Africa, indicating the importance of measuring the share of renewable energy in the energy mix (SDG 7.2).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table:
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities. | – Job creation rate – Youth employment rate |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries. | – Manufacturing output percentage |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Adherence to climate change measures in national policies |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – Share of renewable energy in the energy mix |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: dw.com
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