United Nations Radio

Today is Africa Industrialization Day.

In a message to mark the occasion, the Secretary-General says the theme of this year's observance, "Processing of Raw Materials for Sustainable Growth and Development", is very timely.

He says a slowdown in the global economy will hit exporters of primary products hard.

He says primary products account for more than 50 per cent of Africa's exports which makes the continent especially vulnerable to global economic shocks.

The Secretary-General notes it is essential for Africa to be able to process its raw materials into higher-value products.

Secretary-General Ban also notes that more than half of Africa's people are employed in the agricultural sector.

And he says this makes it essential to develop the agri-business and agro-processing industries.

The Secretary-General calls for a strengthening of African industry so that it can play its rightful, catalytic role in sustainable economic growth and the eradication of poverty.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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