The Global Industry Summit in Riyadh discusses opportunities to enhance industrial investments, build international partnerships, and accelerate manufacturing in Africa
Day two of the 21st UNIDO General Conference in Riyadh concluded with high-level ministerial interventions, strategic discussions on investment and industrial development, and a dynamic Africa Investment Roundtable focused on bankable projects, industrial corridors, and sustainable economic transformation.
The day opened with the Plenary Session titled “Introduction to Investment & Partnerships,” where H.E. Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, delivered a keynote address highlighting Saudi Arabia’s national priorities for empowering women and youth in the industrial sector.
AlKhorayef affirmed the Kingdom’s ambition to become one of the world’s most attractive destinations for industrial investment, noting that Saudi Arabia’s young talent and growing female workforce are redefining the country’s industrial future. He emphasized that women are now leading factories, managing industrial zones, and contributing meaningfully across economic sectors, supported by comprehensive capability-building programs designed to accelerate their participation in future industries.
He also highlighted youth-driven initiatives such as the Saudi Made and Future Factory programs, which have become evidence of the innovative capabilities of the next generation. These national efforts, he stated, form a core pillar of building a competitive, opportunity-driven industrial ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030.
At midday, during the session entitled “Enabling Two-Way Investment with the Middle East: Leveraging Economic Diversification for Mutual Growth,” H.E. Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Minister of Investment, highlighted global industrial competitiveness and the emergence of a new landscape for global supply chains. Industrial production is no longer concentrated in a few major global hubs; instead, supply chains are being reshaped into regionally connected industrial clusters that are leveraging this shift to attract investment and increase their industrial significance.
He affirmed that the Kingdom is steadily advancing toward greater industrial competitiveness thanks to its strategic location, unique resources, and ambitious economic reforms, noting that Saudi Arabia has today become one of the key pillars in the reshaping of global supply chains.
For his part, His Excellency the Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs, Eng. Khalil bin Salamah, explained how economic diversification in the Middle East contributes to achieving long-term regional stability, and its role in driving development, growth, and sustainability.
His Excellency emphasized that developing diverse economic sectors, supporting innovation, and opening new investment opportunities enables the region to build a strong economic foundation capable of withstanding all challenges. This, in turn, contributes to strengthening regional and international partnerships and supports the sustainable development journey of all concerned countries.
Later in the afternoon, during the General Debate of the Plenary Meeting, H.E. Joe Issa El-Khoury, Minister of Industry of Lebanon, reiterated Lebanon’s openness to investment and collaboration with all international partners. He stressed that Lebanon’s industrial sector continues to draw strength from a deep historical foundation and affirmed that the country is ready to work with UNIDO and member states to enhance infrastructure, boost industrial output, and empower skilled talent through joint initiatives.
Africa Investment Roundtable Highlights A key feature of the day was the Africa Investment Roundtable was focus and discussion on accelerating Africa’s industrialization through actionable project pipelines, enhanced regulatory environments, and blended financing structures.
Key speakers included: Ms. Fatou Haidara, Deputy Director-General of UNIDO, Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO, Senior executives from AFC, BOAD, OPEC Fund, Afreximbank, World Bank, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Ministers from Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Togo, Corridor and SEZ leaders from across the continent. Speakers emphasized the need to transform Africa from a continent rich in resources to one powered by value creation and industrial innovation. The session centered on advancing special economic zones, strengthening industrial corridors, and improving project preparation, identified as the primary bottleneck preventing investments from reaching bankability.
Key insights included: · Africa faces a $170 billion annual infrastructure financing gap · Africa’s GDP could reach $7 trillion by 2035 · AFC investments already total $17 billion, supporting over 7 million jobs · The Lobito Corridor has reduced transport time from 45 days to one week · Afreximbank’s project preparation efforts are expected to unlock $10.6 billion in downstream investments · Africa’s population grows by 60 million people per year, doubling by 2050
Ministers and financiers highlighted the continent’s improving macroeconomic stability, rising domestic investment, and new opportunities for industrial diversification. From agriculture to minerals to advanced manufacturing, countries presented clear roadmaps for value-added production and investment-ready industrial ecosystems.
Day Two at UNIDO GC21 demonstrated strong alignment among governments, development finance institutions, investors, and industrial leaders. The discussions throughout the day reaffirmed a shared determination to convert ideas into implementable projects, deepen cross-regional partnerships, foster industrial innovation, and create new opportunities for youth and women, ensuring global industrial development remains inclusive, sustainable, and future-focused.