Addis Ababa, 22 May 2025 (ECA) – The Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Division (TICID) of ECA delivered the keynote presentation at a session on “green and inclusive urban development” during the 20th ILO Regional Conference for labour-based practitioners hosted by the Government of Ethiopia.
The session, held at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, spotlighted the critical need for practitioners to explore innovative solutions for infrastructure investments. In his address that focused on “sustainable infrastructure development in the context of fragility”, Robert Lisinge, Director of TICID, emphasized the essential role of frontier technologies in the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructures in Africa.
He emphasized that the continent’s economic and social development is impeded by inadequate transport, energy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure.
“Investment in public digital infrastructure such as digital identification; data centers and in new and emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and human-machine interface can ensure Africa becomes a pole of digital innovations”, Robert Lisinge stated.
He further highlighted the leadership role of ECA in providing tools, knowledge products, capacity building and technical assistance to African countries, to advance resilient infrastructure development. “For instance, ECA’s ICT Tax Impact Calculator is a simple and effective tool that helps to understand how optimizing taxes in the ICT sector can impact countries’ tax revenue, job creation, broadband connectivity and economic growth” Robert Lisinge said.
The 20th ILO Regional Conference for Labour-based practitioners, being held in Addis Ababa from 19-23 May 2025, is designed to encourage the implementation of climate-smart and pro-employment strategies in development programs. It is attended by more than 2000 participants from several institutions, including policymakers, employers' and workers' associations, labor-based technology practitioners, NGOs, academic and research institutions, and the private sector.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org