The United Nations has declared 2016-2025 as the Third Industrial Development Decade for Africa. What this means for the continent is renewed focus and support for inclusive and sustainable industrial development to further economic diversification and job creation to reduce poverty; and contribute to the 2030 Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the continent, which all African Union states are party to. Despite the global economic slowdown and worst drought in 35 years, Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, according to EY '2016 Africa attractiveness program, Staying the course'. This is due to investment into new and existing projects, as well as new investors. There's a strong focus this past week in Africa on digital transformation and the explosion in the smartphone market which is leading to a revolution in the app service culture in Africa as well as video. Top mobile brands have also come together to reduce the mobile gender gap by 2020 and connect women to the mobile internet and mobile money. It's a short week for us in South Africa as we vote in our local government elections on Wednesday, which has been declared a public holiday. Have a great week! Louise Marsland Africa Editor: Bizcommunity.com
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