Prince Michael Obiekwe Meets President Touadéra to Discuss Sustainable Industrialisation in Central Africa – THISDAYLIVE

High-Level Meeting on Sustainable Industrialisation in Central Africa

Introduction

Prince Michael Obiekwe recently engaged in a high-level meeting with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic to discuss strategies aimed at promoting sustainable industrialisation and economic growth in Central Africa. This collaboration aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on economic growth, industry innovation, and environmental sustainability.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment.
• SDG 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.
• SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
• SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Key Discussion Points

1. Integration of Sustainability in Industrial Policies: Prince Michael Obiekwe emphasized balancing economic growth with environmental protection to preserve biodiversity and natural resources.
2. Promotion of Green Industries and Sustainable Infrastructure: President Touadéra highlighted the Central African Republic’s strategic location and resource wealth as opportunities for eco-friendly industrial development.
3. Clean Energy Technologies: Focus on adopting renewable energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints and support sustainable development.
4. Sustainable Agriculture: Encouraging agricultural practices that maintain ecosystem health and improve food security.
5. Development of Local Manufacturing Capacities: Prioritizing eco-efficiency in manufacturing to foster resilient and sustainable economies.
6. International Partnerships and Investment: Recognizing the importance of global collaboration to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

Policy Recommendations and Governance

• Encourage innovation and skills development to support inclusive economic growth.
• Strengthen governance frameworks to address infrastructure deficits and resource management challenges.
• Enhance regional cooperation to effectively combat climate change impacts.
• Ensure that industrialisation benefits reach all segments of society, promoting equity and social inclusion.

Conclusion

The meeting between Prince Michael Obiekwe and President Faustin-Archange Touadéra represents a significant milestone in Central Africa’s pursuit of sustainable industrialisation. Their shared vision underscores a commitment to building productive, resilient, and environmentally responsible economies. This collaboration is expected to translate into concrete policies and actions that advance the SDGs and foster sustainable economic growth across the region, while safeguarding ecological heritage for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article emphasizes promoting economic growth and sustainable industrialisation in Central Africa.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Focus on advancing sustainable industrialisation, innovation, and infrastructure development.
3. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Promotion of clean energy technologies is highlighted.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Emphasis on eco-efficiency and sustainable industrial policies.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action – Addressing climate change impacts and environmental protection.
6. SDG 15: Life on Land – Protection of biodiversity and natural resources is a key concern.
7. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Importance of international partnerships and regional cooperation is stressed.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 8
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
2. SDG 9
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and GDP.
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean technologies.
3. SDG 7
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
4. SDG 12
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
5. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
6. SDG 15
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
7. SDG 17
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 8 Indicators
   • 8.2.1: Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person.
   • 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment.
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • 9.2.1: Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita.
   • 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added.
3. SDG 7 Indicators
   • 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption.
4. SDG 12 Indicators
   • 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
5. SDG 13 Indicators
   • 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
6. SDG 15 Indicators
   • 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
7. SDG 17 Indicators
   • 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thisdaylive.com