The African Development Institute (ADI) of the African Development Bank Group will host a high-level policy dialogue on “Driving Africa’s Economic Transformation in Transition States: The Role of Capacity Development and Knowledge Management” during the 66th Nigerian Economic Society (NES) Annual Conference, taking place from 8 to 11 September 2025 at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, and online.
Africa’s economic performance remains insufficient to eradicate poverty or meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063, with challenges compounded by COVID-19, conflict, and climate change. Heavy reliance on commodity exports and external finance has further exposed vulnerabilities, even though the continent has abundant resources to sustain inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. Transition States face even greater difficulties due to weak governance, fragile institutions, security threats, debt distress, and limited resilience to shocks, making targeted support essential to ensure they are not left behind.
The dialogue will convene senior public officials from Africa’s 22 Transition States, alongside economists, development experts, and policymakers, to explore enablers and barriers to structural transformation. Discussions will focus on the role of capacity development and knowledge management, highlighting the Bank’s interventions, lessons learned, and policy recommendations for inclusive growth. Dr. Eric Kehinde Ogunleye, Director of ADI, will deliver the keynote address, followed by a panel session with Bank executives, development practitioners, and experts.
The event will also showcase flagship ADI capacity development programs such as PFMA, MEMA, PDMA, ICFCs, and VCDA, along with key knowledge products including AEOs, REOs, and CFRs. By fostering peer-to-peer learning and exchange between global and African policymakers, the dialogue aims to build stronger networks and enhance the capacity of technical experts and policymakers in Transition States.
The NES Annual Conference, under the theme “Rethinking Africa’s Development: Pathways to Economic Transformation and Social Inclusion in a Changing Global Economic Landscape,” is expected to bring together more than 2,500 economists and leaders from across Africa and beyond. Key issues on the agenda include digital finance, youth employment, job creation, the demographic dividend, skills development, and governance for sustainable development.
Throughout the four-day event, the African Development Institute will also operate an exhibition stand to offer consultations, capacity development clinics, and information on the Bank’s tools, products, and services, further supporting knowledge sharing and policy innovation.
