This is the twenty-second volume of the publication on Indicators on Gender, Poverty, the Environment and Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in African Countries by the Statistics Department of the African Development Bank Group.

Investment is an important driver of economic growth with important implications for debt sustainability. Investment efficiency gaps adversely impact debt sustainability in Africa.

The theme of the 2022 African Economic Outlook is Supporting Climate Resilience and a Just Energy Transition in Africa. Despite having 17% of the current global population, Africa has accounted for a negligible 3% of cumulative worldwide CO2 emissions historically.

The populations of African cities are expected to grow by more than 900 million by 2050. Many of these people will live in secondary cities. These cities are a sub‑set of cities within national systems of cities.

This report presents compelling evidence - from 2 600 cities across 34 countries - that urbanisation in Africa contributes to better economic outcomes and higher standards of living.

The marine capture fisheries production of Africa currently stands at 7 million tonnes. It has increased in recent years thanks to the strong resurgence of West African small pelagic catches and a return to normality in the Indian Ocean following the end of Somalian piracy.

Water security underpins sustainable development and plays a crucial role in achieving the 2030 Agenda. A 2018 UN Report concluded that achieving SDG 6, ensuring water and sanitation for all, is essential for progress on all other SDGs, and conversely, the achievement of SDG 6 depends on the overall progress of the entire 2030 Agenda.

Climate change is impacting Africa disproportionately and will continue to do so, primarily by affecting the sectors that are key to the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, such as agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

While the progress towards Universal Health Coverage is dependent on improvements in public spending on health, the private sector with its vast presence in service delivery, is called to play an even bigger role in the health sector.

The transition to a green economy will create many new jobs around the world, including in sub-Saharan Africa. Will women share-in these new jobs, and will the economic transformation help women move into higher-paid, more stable jobs that require more education and skills?

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