The seat of the African Development Bank in Abidjan hosted the 2026 African Economic Conference (AEC), co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme and the Organisation for Co-operation and Development. The event focused on the theme ‘Enhancing Geopolitical Action and Commercial Resilience in Africa in a Multipolar World.’

The Ivoirian minister of Planning and Development, Souleymane Diarrassouba, opened the proceedings. Over 4,000 participants followed the debates online, according to the ADB.

Launch of the African Chiefs of Economy Network