The transformation of African economies through borderless trade, enhanced value addition, and diversification is on course to help tackle poverty, youth unemployment, and social tensions, foreign ministers said Thursday.
Speaking in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, during a forum convened by the African Union (AU), the foreign ministers stressed that for the continent to realize socioeconomic transformation, it must prioritize seamless movement of goods and skilled labor.
Kenya is hosting the fifth mid-year coordination meeting convened by the AU and regional blocs from Thursday to Sunday under the theme of “Acceleration of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Implementation.”
Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said that 14 heads of state and government, 51 foreign ministers from AU member states, and 1,500 delegates are expected to participate in the forum.
During a two-day session that will precede the heads of state and government meeting over the weekend, foreign ministers are expected to set the agenda for the summit that will chart a new roadmap for Africa’s quest for integration.
Dr. Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the Nairobi meeting offers a platform to inject vitality into the continent’s long-term blueprint for growth, transformation, and durable peace.
“We need to unlock the socio-economic potential of this continent by trading with each other and abolishing barriers to free movement of people,” the CS remarked.
He added that the year 2023 which is dedicated to Africa’s integration agenda should also serve as a wake-up call for the continent to address its endemic challenges including conflicts, poverty, disease, and unemployment.
Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, said swift implementation of the AfCFTA is imperative to secure a green, prosperous, resilient, and peaceful future for the continent’s citizens.
According to Nsanzabaganwa, the continent has prioritized reforms, sustained financing, digital commerce, and involvement of women and youth in trade, in its bid to realize the integration agenda.
She added that respect for intellectual property, greater private sector participation, good governance, and fidelity to civil liberties will boost Africa’s integration efforts.
Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, the minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation of the Union of Comoros, said that an integrated Africa will be better placed to handle shocks linked to climate change, geopolitical tensions, internal strife, and global economic slowdown.
Dhoulkamal urged governments and regional blocs to formulate policies that would help the continent seize opportunities presented by emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
