The African Union in collaboration with Regional Economic Communities, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Development Bank (AfDB), The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) held a joint coordination meeting under the theme ; “Towards achieving the Agenda 2063” . The meeting that was opened by H.E Harry Kalaba Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia, brought together high level dignitaries such as H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha , Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, NEPAD, CEO Mr. Carlos Lopez, Executive Secretary of UNECA, Ambassador Nagla El-Hussainy acting Secretary General of COMESA, Mr. Emmanuel Nnadozie ACBF Executive Secretary, AUC Commissioners as well as finance and economic experts.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma AUC chair, was H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha , Deputy Chairperson of the AUC who in his remarks commended the host country for their major role in fostering regional integration and said that the low level of integration and transformation needs to be addressed in order to accelerate African economic development.
The AUC Deputy chair highlighted the role of Regional Economic Communities as building blocks of African transformation and integration, without whom it is not possible to take advantage of global value and supply chains and to realize the potential engagement in intra-African value chains. Mr. Mwencha, in his conclusion, underscored the need to work together collaboratively to achieve domestication of Agenda 2063, capacity building, financing/resource mobilization as well as developing solid monitoring and evaluation systems that would in turn ensure the resilience of African economies.
H.E Harry Kalaba Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of Zambia in his speech noted that regional integration is a rational response to the challenges faced on the continent and is also very pertinent as it creates linkages among member states as well as explore the potential to build trust among countries leading to sustainable peace and security. Mr. Kalaba underlined the need for regional integration towards achievement of Agenda 2063 and called for strong policies. Furthermore Mr. Kalaba said that it is very pertinent that national strategies be complemented by strong regional policies that will create the way for economic transformation and in the end elevate Africa as a key player in global value chains.
Ms. Moono Mupotola representative from the African Development Bank (AfDB) underscored the work being done by the Bank to foster the realization of Agenda 2063 noting that considerable funds have been set aside for agenda 2063 flagship projects such as the Program for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA), the great Inga Dam as well as transportation corridors that will go a long way in promoting development .Ms. Mapotola concluded that AfDB looks forward to working with Regional Economic Communities, Member states and partners to realize this ambitious vision of Agenda 2063.
Ambassador Nagla El-Hussainy acting Secretary General of The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). Ambassador El-Hussainy noted that the meeting is an opportunity for COMESA to renew its commitment to the achievement of Agenda 2063 a vision and roadmap for a better future. The COMESA Ag. Secretary General reiterated the need to create synergies to foster implementation of the development agenda. In her closing remarks Amb. Hussainy called for collaboration and cooperation among regional economic communities under the leadership of the African Union.
H.E Dr. Carlos Lopes, under Secretary General and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) emphasized the great need for African countries to harness her minerals to further her social economic transformation. Mr. Lopes further added that sufficient use of Africa’s resources will go a long way in deeming conflicts. Mr Lopes also underlined the new African narrative of growth, investment and expanding opportunities which is still undermined by worldwide negative perception.
Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of African Union Commission (AUC).
Source: Apo-Opa
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