This knowledge event will provide a platform for Bank Group Governors and Global Experts to brainstorm on frameworks to value unproduced natural capital and include them in the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and GDP of countries. It provides an opportunity for the Bank to re-evaluate the role and strategic importance of Africa’s natural capital in the economic productivity and green wealth of countries, explore how the positive and negative externalities of natural capital can be factored into the measurements of the wealth of nations. It is expected that this will increase the GDP of resources-rich countries, and hence reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio which will in turn give countries headroom to access more capital for development. Including the green wealth of countries in their GDP may also lead to better credit ratings and hence reduce the cost of capital. It will also help drive the green transitions and countries will earn economic benefits for forest conservation, biodiversity protection and be penalized for the negative externalities of economic production and consumption.
Welcome and Introduction:
Moderator:
- Kevin Chika Urama, Chief Economist, African Development Bank Group
Opening Remarks:
- Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank Group
Keynote Address:
- Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency, France
Panelists:
- Boima S. Kamara, Minister of Finance and Development Planning and Governor for Liberia.
- Mr. Seedy K.M Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and Governor for Gambia.
- Dr. Gibril Ibrahim Mohamed, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Governor for Sudan.
- Shanti Bobin, Deputy Director for European Affairs - French Treasury and Temporary Governor for France.
- Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti, Chief Executive Officer, Education Above All Foundation.
- Lemma W. Senbet, William E. Mayer Chair Professor of Finance and Founding Director, Center for Financial Policy, University of Maryland, USA.
- Patrick Verkooijen, CEO, Global Center on Adaptation