CoM2026, Committee of Experts Segment - Closing remarks by Ms. Hanan Morsy

Closing Remarks

Deputy Executive Secretary (Programmes) and Chief Economist,

Hanan Morsy,
Delivered at the Committee of Experts Segment

58th Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development

Excellencies

Esteemed experts

Distinguished delegates

Ladies and gentlemen

As we conclude the 44th Session of the Committee of Experts, I extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for the richness of your discussions and the quality of insights shared over the past three days.

The depth of expertise in this room, alongside valued partners and organizations, has once again affirmed the indispensable role of this Committee. Your rigorous analysis and thoughtful recommendations form the technical foundation that will guide our ministers and shape priorities at global, regional, and national levels.

We meet at a time of profound global change. Technological advancement is accelerating, the economic landscape is shifting, and competition to govern data, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure is intensifying. For Africa, this moment presents both risk and opportunity.

Over the past days, you have reviewed ECA's statutory reporting and also explored how innovation, digital technologies, and improved data governance can act as catalysts for productivity, diversification, and structural transformation. You have underscored the imperative for Africa to become a strategic actor, capable of shaping the rules of the global digital economy, rather than remaining a passive participant.

Your discussions have remained grounded in economic reality. While Africa's growth has begun to recover, supported by improved macroeconomic stability and infrastructure investment, this recovery is fragile. New pressures have emerged from the impacts of conflict in the Middle East: disruptions to energy markets, heightened volatility in trade and financial flows, and shifting geopolitical alignments that strain already tight fiscal positions.

For African economies, these shocks translate into rising import costs, tighter external financing, and renewed inflationary pressures. Public debt remains elevated, fiscal space is constrained, and structural challenges such as, limited industrialization, persistent inequality, and vulnerability to global shocks, continue to pose significant hurdles.

The choices we make will determine whether Africa merely adapts to global change or actively shapes its own future.

Distinguished delegates,

Your deliberations have produced valuable recommendations for the upcoming ministerial segment. Allow me to highlight the key messages:

First, we must accelerate structural transformation through innovation-driven growth across agriculture, industry, and services. This requires country-led prioritization frameworks to identify which technologies and sectors can deliver the fastest productivity gains within three to five years.

Second, we must build robust data governance systems and digital infrastructure, ensuring Africa actively shapes the technologies influencing its future. This demands data sovereignty, robust domestic legislation, AI awareness, and strong cybersecurity.

Third, we must mobilize sustainable financing while strengthening domestic resource mobilization, improving fiscal governance, and addressing high public debt. Simultaneously, we must continue collective advocacy for reform of the global financial architecture.

Fourth, we must invest in inclusive R&D and human capital, equipping Africa's youth with the digital and technological skills needed for a rapidly changing global economy.

Fifth, we must deepen regional cooperation and integration. This includes strengthening geospatial data systems, accelerating AfCFTA implementation to facilitate trade for landlocked countries, and aligning our global engagement to ensure African priorities are represented on international platforms. We must also link Agenda 2063 with the SDGs through integrated planning tools that reduce transaction costs for member states.

Distinguished delegates,

The past few days have reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: Africa's future will be shaped by its ability to innovate, harness data and technology, and translate knowledge into transformative economic policy.

The momentum generated here must now translate into tangible action at national, regional, and continental levels. Africa's trajectory depends not only on the policies we design, but on our ability to implement them effectively, mobilize partnerships, and harness innovation for the benefit of all Africans.

I would like to express deep appreciation to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting us in Tangier. This historic city, long a crossroads of civilizations, a bridge between continents, and a testament to the power of connectivity and exchange, has provided an inspiring setting for our deliberations. It is a fitting reminder that Africa's strength has always been found in its connections: across borders, across sectors, and across ideas.

I thank all delegations, experts, partners, and colleagues for your active engagement and constructive contributions. My appreciation also extends to those who have worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure the smooth logistical and operational success of this meeting.

Your commitment reflects our shared determination to advance Africa's development agenda.

Thank you.