Industrial policy is back on the global agenda—from the U.S. to China, nations are using it to tackle security, climate, and employment challenges. But what does this mean for Africa?

To explore these issues, the World Bank Institute for Economic Development, the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) Program, and the International Growth Center (IGC) are hosting a research conference in Nairobi, Kenya. The event will bring together leading regional and global experts to share fresh insights on the future of industrial policy in Africa.

Most existing playbooks are written for large, industrialized economies. To address Africa’s unique reality—characterized by informal labor markets, a youth bulge, and a shift toward dynamic service sectors—we need a new approach.

Join the Industrial Policy for Africa Conference, a three-day gathering in Nairobi designed to move beyond traditional models and explore how industrial policy can truly drive poverty alleviation, job creation, and food security across the continent.

Why You Should Attend

This isn't just another policy talk. It is a convergence of leading researchers and policymakers digging into evidence-based strategies that actually work in the African context.

Hosted by a coalition of heavy hitters—the World Bank Institute, African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), STEG, and the International Growth Center (IGC)—the conference will tackle the hard questions:

• Can industrial policy succeed where it has failed before?

• How do we balance industrial growth with environmental sustainability?

• What role does the "4th Industrial Revolution" play in nations like Tanzania and South Africa?

Agenda Highlights

The schedule is packed with deep dives into structural transformation and green productivity. Here is what to expect:

• Day 1 (Feb 16): The Big Picture & Local Impacts

  • Keynote: Margaret McMillan (Tufts University) on the case for industrial policy in Africa.

  • Session Focus: Success stories, agricultural innovation, and the "informal multiplier" of industrial jobs.

• Day 2 (Feb 17): Sustainability & Innovation

  • Green Transition: Discussions on tax incentives, critical minerals, and the ecological traps of manufacturing.

  • Future-Proofing: Sessions on the automotive industry in South Africa and smart manufacturing gaps in Tanzania.

  • Special Report: A presentation of the Industrial Policy for Development Report with World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill.

• Day 3 (Feb 18): Action & Connection

  • Matchmaking: A dedicated morning for policy and research matchmaking to foster future collaborations.

Join the Conversation

As Africa’s economic landscape evolves from traditional manufacturing to sectors like ICT and tourism, the policies we design today will define the continent’s trajectory for decades.

For more details, visit here