Staff Reporter
The African continent has been urged to rally together in implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, to drive intra-African trade and sustainable development.
This vision, dubbed “The Africa We Want,” seeks to transform the continent through unity, self-reliance, and economic growth by the year 2063.
This call emerged yesterday during a high-level meeting between the Zimbabwean Government and African diplomats accredited to the country.
The meeting, chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, underscored the need for AU member States to prioritise regional trade over reliance on external forces.
“Your Excellencies, we are just 39 years away from achieving the goals set under Agenda 2063. Our blueprint is ambitious but achievable, as it aims to transform Africa into a peaceful and prosperous continent,” said Professor Murwira.
He further stressed the need to address internal challenges, particularly peace and security issues, through “African solutions to African problems” rather than external interventions that often complicate conflicts.
The Minister expressed concern over the low levels of intra-African trade, urging nations to embrace the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a game-changing initiative.
“Despite our strong political relations, intra-African trade remains disappointingly low. The AfCFTA presents us with a golden opportunity to reverse this trend and create a single, thriving market for goods and services across Africa. However, we must ensure this market benefits Africa first and foremost,” Professor Murwira emphasised.
He highlighted the importance of enhancing local production capacities to sustain economic growth, adding, “Our salvation lies in local production, in intra-regional trade, and not in aid.”
The Dean of African Ambassadors in Zimbabwe, Jose Ela Ebang, the Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea, echoed similar sentiments.
“We commend Zimbabwe’s role in building ‘The Africa We Want.’ Unity and collective effort are key to achieving inclusive development and prosperity across the continent. As climate emergencies worsen, particularly in Southern Africa, urgent action is needed to mitigate the impact of events like El Niño-induced droughts,” said Ambassador Ebang.
The discussions further extended to engagements with BRICS representatives in Zimbabwe, where Professor Murwira underscored the importance of both bilateral and multilateral partnerships in fostering economic growth.
Zimbabwe, he noted, views its collaboration with BRICS as a gateway to global trade and investment opportunities, particularly for the Global South.
“BRICS partnerships offer meaningful opportunities for Africa and other nations of the Global South to reshape global trade and financial systems. By working together, sharing skills, and mobilising resources, we can enhance our economies and improve the livelihoods of our people,” said Professor Murwira.
Russia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe and Dean of the BRICS Group of Ambassadors, Nikolai Krasilnikov, affirmed the group’s growing influence.
“BRICS accounts for 40% of the global population, and we continue to emerge as a force in global economic growth. Our cooperation with Zimbabwe and other African nations will further strengthen south-to-south development,” he said.
BRICS, which initially included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, welcomed new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, solidifying its position as a major global economic bloc.
The meetings in Harare underscored the urgent need for African countries to unite and collaborate on initiatives that promote trade, production, and sustainable development, while leveraging partnerships with emerging global powers like BRICS.
As Africa pushes towards the “The Africa We Want” vision, intra-continental trade remains a cornerstone for achieving lasting progress and prosperity.
