The State of the Africa Region seminar provides an opportunity to reflect on the main trends shaping the economic development of the region. The seminar will discuss key challenges and opportunities facing Africa in an increasingly turbulent global economic environment. A special focus will be on macroeconomic and structural policies to boost productivity growth and restore the growth momentum in Africa. Bolstering productivity would position Africa to seize emerging opportunities in the global economy, including in Asia, thereby reducing the continent’s dependence on commodities.