ARFSD-11: Driving job creation; economic growth

Theme: “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063.”
Dates: April 9–11, 2025 | Venue: Kampala, Uganda
Pre-events: April 7–8, 2025

The Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) will be held in Kampala, Uganda, from April 9 to 11, 2025. The Forum, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) with partners like the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank, is a key regional platform for reviewing progress and boosting action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s Agenda 2063. Taking place at a time of global and regional urgency, the Forum aims to inspire bold, science-based, and inclusive actions for sustainable transformation across the continent.

With under five years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda, progress across Africa remains slow and uneven. Less than 16% of the SDG targets are on track in the region, and economic shocks exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and structural inequalities have reversed some development gains. Africa continues to face high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, with GDP growth rates well below the 7% target needed to meet Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth. The Forum aims to provide renewed momentum by advancing solutions that are not only evidence-based but also rooted in African realities and aspirations.

ARFSD-11 will place particular focus on reviewing five key Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). These goals will be assessed in tandem with corresponding targets under Agenda 2063. The Forum will also serve as a regional preparatory platform for Africa’s engagement in the 2025 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York and the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha.

The ARFSD-11 is one of three primary mechanisms for reviewing and catalyzing progress toward the SDGs, alongside national voluntary reviews and the global High-Level Political Forum. Through peer learning and multi-stakeholder engagement, it provides governments, civil society, youth, the private sector, academia, and development partners with opportunities to exchange knowledge and good practices. More than just a review meeting, ARFSD-11 is expected to produce practical outcomes, including a Forum Summary and the Kampala Declaration on Science-Based Solutions, which will inform continental and global policymaking.

Leading up to the main Forum, a series of dynamic pre-events will be held. These include a workshop for countries preparing Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs), a youth pre-event focused on job creation and innovation, a gender dialogue, and regional consultations with civil society and major groups. These sessions aim to enhance the inclusivity of the Forum and ensure that the voices of all stakeholders especially women, youth, and marginalized communities are heard in the development discourse.

During the main Forum, high-level panels will explore strategies to scale up sustainable finance, integrate data-driven solutions, and follow up on global commitments. In-depth parallel review sessions will examine progress and challenges under each focus SDG, proposing actionable solutions to accelerate implementation. A wide range of side events, including those on education, climate action, gender equality, and the future of work, will further enrich the agenda.

Ultimately, ARFSD-11 provides an opportunity for Africa to recalibrate its development trajectory, align regional strategies with global frameworks, and reaffirm its commitment to building an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. The outcomes of this year’s Forum will play a vital role in shaping Africa’s voice on the international stage and ensuring that the continent’s development priorities are front and center in global policy dialogues.

Six Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO) Fellows from Cameroon (Ngala Nadege, Akem Aurelia, Eucharia Nkengafack), Ghana (Constance Ohenewaa Ankoma), Nigeria (Jennifer Abomnger), Senegal (Dan Entseya) will be attending the conference.