Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Africa Industrialization Day – November 20, 2024

Africa Industrialization Day is celebrated on November 20 every year. It’s a period when governments and organizations in several African countries consider how to accelerate the continent’s industrialization. It’s also an opportunity to draw international media attention to Africa’s industrialization concerns and challenges. A geographical representation of Africa, including the island of Madagascar, is a popular symbol of Africa Industrialization Day. Flags of African international organizations, including the African Union, as well as a variety of national flags, are hoisted in celebration.

History of Africa Industrialization Day

Industrialization is a crucial component when it comes to achieving sustained and inclusive economic expansion. By incorporating new equipment and processes, industries can boost productivity, increase employee competencies, and create jobs.

Industrialization is inextricably linked with the domestic economy and will ultimately boost growth rates in African nations. It will help build resilient economies in these countries and reduce their vulnerability to negative external influences. This will have a significant impact on poverty alleviation, creating more employment opportunities.

In July 1989, the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.) conducted its 25th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Africa Industrialization Day was announced on November 20 during this session. Africa Industrialization Day was recognized by the United Nations General Assembly on December 22, 1989, and on November 20, 1990, it was celebrated for the first time.

Africa Industrialization Day is commemorated with a variety of events. Local and national politicians, as well as members of national and international non-governmental groups, are involved in many of them. Plans are made to bring together leaders or officials from as many African countries as possible to promote conversation about Africa’s industrialization and analyze progress over the last year. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a key organizer of the events commemorating Africa Industrialization Day.

In addition, announcements are made at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The African Union, the Economic Commission for Africa, and the United Nations have all issued remarks via these announcements. It is intended that these events will increase worldwide awareness of the need for African industrialization.

Africa Industrialization Day timeline

1963
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government

The Assembly is established on 25 May.

1989
The Day is Established

November 20 is declared Africa Industrialization Day by the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.).

1989
The U.N. Recognizes the Day

On December 22, the U.N. General Assembly recognizes November 20 as Africa Industrialization Day.

1990
The Inaugural Celebration

The first Africa Industrialization Day celebrations are held.

Africa Industrialization Day FAQs

Was there an Industrial Revolution in Africa?

Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, and Côte d’Ivoire are among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa that are experiencing an industrial revolution. It has received little attention thus far, maybe because it does not fit the conventional pattern of large-scale structural transformations.

When did South Africa become an industrialized country?

South Africa rapidly transitioned from an agricultural civilization where the majority lived off the land to an industrial society in the late 1800s. The discovery of enormous diamond reserves in Kimberley in 1867, followed by the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand in 1886, prompted this.

What are the three industrial revolutions?

The first three industrial revolutions radically altered our modern society. The world around us radically changed with the introduction of the steam engine, the age of science and mass manufacturing, and the development of digital technology.

How to Observe Africa Industrialization Day

  1. Share on social media

    You can share your thoughts on social media and wish everyone a happy Africa Industrialisation Day. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about or highlight efforts that are helping to advance Africa's industrialization.

  2. Attend an event

    Africa Industrialization Day is commemorated with a variety of events that you can attend. Local and national politicians, as well as members of national and international non-governmental groups, are involved in many of them.

  3. Learn more about the African continent

    This observance should inspire you to get to know a little more about Africa. Explore the history and rich cultures of the continent.

5 Interesting Facts About Africa

  1. Top two

    Africa is the world's second-largest continent.

  2. Many tongues

    In Africa, there are about 3,000 separate ethnic groups and about 2,000 different languages.

  3. The longest river

    The Nile holds the record for the world's longest river.

  4. The oldest educational institution

    In 859 A.D., the University of Karueein (Athens of Africa), was established by Fatima al-Fihri in Fez, Morocco, and remains the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution.

  5. Wasteland

    The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and one of the planet's harshest environments.

Why Africa Industrialization Day is Important

  1. It encourages collaboration

    The purpose of Africa Industrialization Day is to unite stakeholders and policymakers to expand Africa's development and financial resources to provide adequate possibilities for its population. To significantly reduce poverty and alter their economies, African nations would profit from increasing and broadening their involvement in international trade and global value chains.

  2. It reviews Africa’s industrialization challenges

    This observance is a chance to examine Africa's industrial concerns, with a focus on industrial development as a foundation for economic prosperity. Industrial development will help raise the productive capacity of the people and create ever-increasing employment opportunities.

  3. It enhances intra-African trade

    Africa Industrialization Day aims to increase intra-African trade through better harmonization and increased industry- and business-level competitiveness. A focus on more intra-African trade in industrial goods promotes African industrialization and the advancement of its manufacturing sector, providing more employment opportunities for the continent's booming youth population.

Africa Industrialization Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 20Wednesday
2025November 20Thursday
2026November 20Friday
2027November 20Saturday
2028November 20Monday

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.