The 41st meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of High Officials and Experts for North Africa (CIHFE) is set to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from November 3-5, 2026. The meeting, organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) North Africa Office, will focus on enhancing economic resilience in the face of simultaneous global shocks. The CIHFE provides a platform for representatives from member countries, researchers, and private sector stakeholders to share experiences and best practices in mitigating the effects of multiple shocks.
The meeting aims to strengthen the resilience of North African countries, support their economic transformation and diversification, and accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and 2063 Agenda. The CIHFE will review the achievements of the ECA North Africa Office over the past year and define its work program and strategic orientations for the coming year. The committee will also examine innovative and pragmatic policies to address the challenges facing the region.
According to the ECA North Africa Office, the recommendations of the 41st CIHFE meeting will be submitted to the 59th session of the Economic Commission for Africa and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (COM 2027), scheduled for March 17-23, 2027, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The conference will focus on shaping the future of work in Africa, with a particular emphasis on youth employment.
On November 4, 2026, the ECA North Africa Office will organize an expert meeting on "Preparing for Future Transformations: Designing Policies for Resilient Societies, Economies, and Ecosystems." The meeting will explore opportunities for North African countries to design and implement development trajectories that enhance their resilience to global challenges and multidimensional shocks.
Over the past decade, North African countries have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of multiple global shocks. They have strengthened domestic resource mobilization, mobilized alternative sources of development financing, and implemented structural reforms to preserve macroeconomic stability and attract investments. The region has also leveraged strategic international partnerships to support growth and enhance resilience to future shocks.
The ECA North Africa Office, established in Morocco in 1963, supports seven countries in the region, including Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, and Sudan. The office aims to contribute to creating an environment conducive to accelerated and inclusive growth and sustainable development in North Africa.
The meeting in Rabat will provide a platform for North African countries to share experiences and best practices in addressing the challenges posed by global shocks. The outcome of the meeting is expected to contribute to the development of policies and strategies that enhance the resilience of the region and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- The 41st CIHFE meeting will focus on enhancing economic resilience in North Africa.
- The meeting aims to strengthen the resilience of North African countries and support their economic transformation and diversification.
- The recommendations of the meeting will be submitted to the 59th session of the Economic Commission for Africa and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
