From Price-Taker to Producer: Africa in the Global Solar Value Chain
On the sidelines of the World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, join the Africa Green Industrialisation Project (AGIP) for a high-level discussion on Africa's solar manufacturing future and the launch of its new framework paper, From Price-Taker to Producer: Africa in the Global Solar Value Chain, by Dr. Vinayak Bhardwaj and Professor Grieve Chelwa.
Africa is the world's fastest-growing solar market, yet it makes almost none of the technology it installs. This growing demand is an opportunity to build industrial capability, create jobs and retain more value on the continent. Drawing on the experiences of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand in the semiconductor industry, the paper explores how Africa can enter the solar value chain and use assembly as a starting point for higher-value production. It also examines opportunities across the wider solar economy, from making frames and wiring to installing and maintaining solar projects.
The event will open with a keynote address and a short presentation of the paper's findings, followed by a panel moderated by Martine Dennis. Bringing together perspectives on African development finance, manufacturing, continental trade, China–Africa relations and feminist political economy, the conversation will explore the policies, investment and partnerships needed to turn Africa's solar growth into lasting industrial development.
Moderator
Martine Dennis - Founder & Host, Africa Here and Now
Keynote
Stephen Karingi - Director, UNECA Macroeconomics and Governance Division
Speakers
Dr. Vinayak Bhardwaj - Senior Health Economist, Wits Planetary Health Research
Professor Grieve Chelwa - Associate Professor of Political Economy, The Africa Institute, Global Studies University
Dr. Anusha Lall - Regional Programme Coordinator, Focus on the Global South
Dr. Rethabile Melamu - CEO, South African Photovoltaic Industry Association
Deprose Muchena - Director, OSF Resources Futures in Africa Programme
Hannah Ryder - CEO, Development Reimagined
Crystal Simeoni - Executive Director, Nawi Afrifem Collective
Light refreshments will be served from 5:00 p.m. The programme begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by a cocktail reception.