The 41st meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee of High Officials and Experts for North Africa (CIHFE) will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from November 3 to 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 support the transformation and diversification of North African economies, accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063, and strengthen the resilience of North African countries. 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 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 in March 2027.
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. The experts will discuss ways to accelerate structural transformation and promote sustainable development in the long term.
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 countries have also leveraged strategic international partnerships to support growth and enhance their resilience to future shocks.
The ECA North Africa Office, established in Morocco in 1963, supports seven countries: Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, and Sudan. Its objective is to contribute to creating an environment conducive to accelerated and inclusive growth and sustainable development in North Africa. The office provides support to member countries in designing and implementing policies and strategies that promote economic diversification and resilience.
The 41st CIHFE meeting will provide a platform for North African countries to share experiences and best practices in enhancing economic resilience. The meeting will also explore innovative and pragmatic policies to support the transformation and diversification of North African economies. The recommendations of the meeting will inform the work of the ECA North Africa Office and the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
The North African countries' efforts to enhance economic resilience are crucial in the face of global shocks. The region has made significant progress in recent years, but challenges persist. The CIHFE meeting will provide a critical platform for discussing ways to address these challenges and promote sustainable development in the region. The meeting's outcomes will be closely watched by stakeholders in the region and beyond.
Key points
- North African countries are seeking to enhance economic resilience amid global shocks.
- The 41st CIHFE meeting will discuss ways to strengthen economic resilience in North Africa.
- The meeting aims to support the transformation and diversification of North African economies.
