The Economic Commission for Africa, Executive Secretary, Claver Gatete, and Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube today in Harare signed the 2024 Conference of Ministers (COM) Host Country Agreement.

Zimbabwe is set to host the 56th Session of the ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development from 28 February to 5 March, in Victoria Falls.

“To drive industrialization that is sustainable and creates jobs, eradicates poverty and contributes to sustained economic growth, Africa must build climate resilience, be able to access finance for its development and reap benefits from its natural resources” said Mr. Gatete at the signing ceremony for the 2024 Conference of Ministers (COM) Host Country Agreement in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The theme for the 2024 COM is “Financing the transition to inclusive green economies in Africa:  imperatives, opportunities and policy options”, which Mr. Gatete said, was very timely as the continent grapples with multiple crises.

The Conference brings together African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, governors of central banks, and entities of the United Nations system. In addition, it will include the participation of pan-African financial institutions, youth representatives, African academic and research institutions, development partners, intergovernmental organizations and other key stakeholders on an annual basis to engage and exchange views on the state of economic and social developments in Africa.

Mr. Gatete said the aim was to end the conference with a strengthened focus and invigorated call to action for mobilization of climate and development finance and the reform of the Global Financial Architecture. Furthermore, the conference will call for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement and the leveraging of technologies for Africa’s development.

Speaking at the same event, Zimbabwe's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube noted the advanced state of preparedness of the conference and also highlighted the significance of the event to the country.

“This presents an opportunity to enhance the country’s global image as we pursue our engagements and re-engagement drive with the international community” the minister emphasized.