AGORA 2026 Conference October 26, 2026 - October 27, 2026 Palermo, Italy

https://www.wbginstitute.org/events/africa-growth-and-opportunity-research-action-conference-2026?cid=DEC_HP_wbinstitute_EN_InF How can investment in skills be translated into jobs that drive growth at scale in Africa? The Africa Growth and Opportunity: Research in Action 2026 Conference (AGORA 26) will explore how better alignment between skills, workforce development, and entrepreneurship and firm demand can support Africa’s growth and job creation. Co-hosted by the World Bank Group Institute for Economic Development with the Bank of Italy, Italy’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, and African partners, AGORA 26 will connect policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders to turn ideas into action. The conference will bridge research, policy dialogue, and implementation, with a focus on translating growth strategies into jobs. Building on the AGORA 2025 conference—which explored the foundational role of physical infrastructure and regulatory reforms in energy and agriculture—AGORA 2026 will focus on the next step: turning investments in skills into jobs and growth. As investment in energy, agribusiness, and value chains expands, the challenge is ensuring these translate into firm productivity and sustained employment. Stay tuned for updates and follow the online conversation using #AGORA26.