By: Jotham Alinaitwe
KAMPALA
Uganda is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s sustainable development trajectory as it prepares to host the 11th session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD) from April 9 to 11, 2025, at Speke Resort Munyonyo. This high-profile event, organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in partnership with the African Development Bank, the United Nations system, and the Ugandan government, will bring together over 1,500 participants, including Heads of State, former leaders, policymakers, experts, civil society, and academia.
The Forum, themed “Driving Job Creation and Economic Growth through Sustainable, Inclusive, Science- and Evidence-Based Solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” will serve as a key platform to assess Africa’s progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063—“The Africa We Want.” With a focus on job creation and economic growth, the event will emphasize inclusive, science-driven solutions to accelerate Africa’s progress toward achieving these ambitious goals.
Uganda’s hosting of the Forum represents a significant moment for the continent. The event will not only review progress on the SDGs and Agenda 2063 but will also facilitate peer learning and share innovative approaches to development across Africa. A critical goal of ARFSD 2025 is to establish consensus on Africa’s sustainable development priorities and to strengthen the capacity of countries preparing voluntary national reviews for 2025.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja highlighted the importance of the Forum, saying, “This Forum will provide a unique opportunity for African nations to assess progress, share best practices, and develop concrete actions to accelerate economic growth and job creation. We call upon all stakeholders to support Uganda’s preparations for this significant event.”
The Forum will also empower key stakeholders—including policymakers, civil society, academia, and the private sector—by equipping them with the knowledge and tools to advance the SDGs and Agenda 2063, and mobilize partnerships for financial, technological, and capacity-building support. This collaboration aims to enhance commitments to increasing economic growth and addressing the continent’s development challenges.
Pre-events, including side events and exhibitions, will take place from April 6 to 8, 2025, in the lead-up to the main sessions, creating opportunities for additional dialogue and engagement. The official opening ceremony will be presided over by the President of Uganda, marking the commencement of a critical chapter in Africa’s development journey.
The outcomes of ARFSD 2025 are expected to shape Africa’s contribution to the upcoming Summit of the Future and the Second World Summit on Social Development, further strengthening the continent’s voice on the global stage. As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Uganda, where leaders, policymakers, and development experts will gather to drive Africa’s sustainable and inclusive growth agenda forward, creating a brighter, more prosperous future for the continent.
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