The African Economic Conference 2021 session (AEC 21) was held between December 2 and 4, in Sal, Cabo Verde. In a context of the Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions, the UNDP, AfDB and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, are grateful to the Government of Cabo Verde for the warm welcome and the organizational efficiency provided. Cabo Verde is a very symbolic location, situated at a crossroads between the African continent and other parts of the world, notably the Americas and Europe, but also as a stopover node on voyages far beyond. In this idyllic archipelago, the AEC organizers were also able to emphasize the inclusion of African countries as an integral part of the world economy. This event has highlighted the importance of both an economic terms analysis and a major forum for transformational ideas. Indeed, as the world takes the direction of building a sustainable future, through normative frameworks, the regional experience and context-specific knowledge of the African continent offer a wealth of lessons and ideas, which must be mobilized for achieving successful development policies. Transformative change only occurs when a sufficient number of people agree on a particular approach and consensus emerges on the best path forward. This is precisely what AEC 21 set out to achieve. It is precisely by talking to each other that we create a community based on collective action and coordination across a vast array of issues from financing and climate change to conflict prevention and economic exchange. This conference was able to bring to the table a rich body of work that will amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage. Following an agenda dictated only by scientific and analytically rigorous approach, the AEC 21 brought forward ideas reaching all levels of society in addressing current economic challenges. Under the auspices of Dr Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, four thematic priorities for Africa were proposed