A path to Africa’s sustainable future

Experts from Afro-Atlantic nations gathered on Friday evening in Rabat for the annual Atlantic Dialogues conference, hosted by the Policy Center for the New South. Under the theme “Smart Infrastructure: Investing in Africa’s Connected Future,” the plenary session focused on how smart infrastructure initiatives align with Africa’s sustainable development goals and enhance regional connectivity.

The session, featuring a diverse panel of experts, posed critical questions such as: “What role can public-private partnerships play in financing and scaling smart infrastructure projects?” and “How can policymakers address risks related to digital infrastructure, data governance, and cybersecurity?”

Arkebe Oqubay Metiku, an Ethiopian scholar at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, emphasized that “smart technology combines artificial intelligence, quantum computing, big data, and green technologies to achieve transformative progress.”

Citing the explosive growth of e-commerce, Oqubay noted a jump from $27 billion in 2000 to $5 trillion in 2024, with projections of $33 trillion by 2050. He also highlighted how green technology, powered by solar energy and battery storage, is reshaping energy systems and reducing emissions.

However, he warned that while Africa’s technological advancements are growing, the global pace risks widening the digital divide, which must be closed to achieve sustainable development.

Jorge Arbache, an international secretary at Brazil’s Ministry of Planning and a professor at the University of Brasília, highlighted Africa’s paradox of abundant yet increasingly scarce natural resources. “Smart technology can unlock solutions,” Arbache said, stressing its importance in advancing green energy, vital minerals, food production, and energy pricing.

He described technology as essential for green development, offering opportunities for sustainable agricultural practices and resource preservation.

Nicolás Massot, a member of Argentina’s National Congress, brought attention to South America’s expertise in scalable, family-based agricultural models. “South America’s experience offers valuable lessons for Africa,” he said, adding that technological transfers, such as no-till farming, can reduce costs, preserve resources, and align with climate goals.

Massot highlighted the stark contrast in Africa’s agricultural potential: the continent holds 60% of the world’s unused arable land yet imports $80 billion worth of food annually. He urged Afro-Atlantic and South American nations to collaborate on integrating private-sector initiatives into agriculture to achieve economic and ecological sustainability.

The 13th edition of the Atlantic Dialogues, which began on Thursday and concludes Saturday, explores the possibilities of creating a broader and more integrated Atlantic region. The event features roundtables, plenaries, and closed-door discussions on topics ranging from economic cooperation to climate resilience.

Organizers emphasized the conference’s evolution from a single-theme event to a multidisciplinary platform, reflecting its maturity over the years. Morocco’s Atlantic Initiative, a strategic project aiming to open up Sahelian economies, has garnered significant attention as part of the vision articulated in King Mohammed VI’s speech on the 48th anniversary of the Green March.

This year’s dialogues underscore the need for collective solutions to address the challenges and opportunities in creating a connected and sustainable Afro-Atlantic future.

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