Staff Reporter
President Mnangagwa has urged African states to pursue robust and innovative measures to unlock maximum benefits from natural resources, to build climate resilient infrastructure to drive green industrialization.
The President made the call during this afternoon in his address to mark the official opening of the 56th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, which is being held at the resort City of Victoria Falls.
The Conference is being held under the theme “Financing the Transition to Inclusive Green Economies in Africa: Imperatives, Opportunities, and Policy Options.
“Africa must build climate resilient infrastructure to drive green industrialisation that is inclusive, sustainable, eradicates poverty and create jobs. To this end, climate financing instruments must be leveraged to reap maximum benefits from the vast natural resources of the continent,” President Mnangagwa said.
He added: “As African countries, we have the weighty responsibility to boldly and decisively tackle the challenges faced by our respective economies. We must look from within and among ourselves for solutions. We cannot afford to bury our heads in sand.
“I therefore challenge you to pursue robust and innovative measures to unlock maximum benefits from our natural resources, which essentially starts with sharing ideas through deeper collaborations.”
President Mnangagwa went on to unpack how Zimbabwe has developed strategies to mitigate against climate change, through National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“The country has developed strategies and plans to curb the escalation of greenhouse emissions. To date, the National Climate Change Response Strategy has been adopted to provide a comprehensive and strategic approach to adaptation, mitigation, technology, financing, public education and awareness.
“Through our economic blueprint, the NDS1, we are increasing agriculture production and productivity, with emphasis on irrigation development, especially among communal and small-holder farmers,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa also emphasised on investing in science, technology and innovation to bring sustainability, resource efficiency and emissions reductions.
“Through investments in science, technology and innovation, the transition to inclusive green economies must aid in the development of technologies that emphasise on sustainability, resource efficiency and emissions reductions. This must in-turn facilitate and accelerate improvements in the economic and social well-being of our peoples.”
