The African Union has made industrialization and the expansion of manufacturing a core priority as part of its strategy to create the jobs and economic growth outlined in its Africa 2063 vision.  In many ways, current efforts are different from past policies because current efforts are integrated with the development of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).  African countries and AU agencies are also applying lessons from previous experiences, and are working with companies to develop practical tools and policies to attract commercially sustainable investments, beginning with four priority sectors: pharmaceuticals, automotives, agribusiness and transportation.  This session will convene African government officials and industry leaders to highlight the progress made to date and examine the steps needed to develop commercially feasible automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturing, including avoiding duplication of capabilities, creating the right value chains and supplier networks and the importance of supporting manufacturing investments through procurement.