Staff Reporter
The 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of African National and Regional Parliaments concluded with a strong call for the integration of digital literacy into Africa’s education systems and the adoption of green energy policies.
The three-day event, held at the Pan-African Parliament premises in Midrand, South Africa, focused on equipping Africa with the tools necessary for the 21st century, under the theme "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa."
Speaking during the event, Zimbabwe's Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, emphasised the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in addressing climate challenges, advocating for AI-driven solutions in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate action.
He pointed to Dubai’s model of leveraging hydrocarbons as a blueprint for African nations to address energy deficits while transitioning to greener technologies.
“AI can be an invaluable tool in predicting and mitigating the effects of climate change. Additionally, Africa can learn from Dubai’s experience with hydrocarbons for energy generation. We must combine scientific approaches like carbon sequestration with policy frameworks that support green transitions,” Advocate Mudenda said.
Advocate Mudenda also urged African universities to take the lead in researching technology-driven green economies, stressing that innovation and investment in research are crucial to achieving sustainable development and meeting global climate targets.
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr. Makgabo Reginah Mhaule, urged African countries to adapt to the global digital revolution.
"While most African countries have made significant strides in ensuring universal access to education, we cannot afford to be left behind in the current digital age. Integrating digital literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into our curricula is essential to ensuring that the African workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century," she stated.
Throughout the conference, speakers reinforced the need for educational reform that embraces inclusivity and technological advancement, emphasising that a tech-savvy, educated workforce is key to building competitive economies and fostering social and economic resilience.
Another major topic at the conference was the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA).
Deputy President of Zimbabwe’s Senate, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya, raised concerns about Africa's reliance on foreign-controlled media and payment systems, calling for the development of African-owned trade and financial infrastructure.
“Africa must take charge of its destiny. The AfCFTA offers a historic chance to create Pan-African payment systems that are controlled by Africans, for Africans. We cannot continue relying on international systems that do not prioritise our needs,” said Lt. Gen. Nyambuya.
The conference concluded with a shared consensus on the need for collective action to achieve Africa’s long-term goals, including peace, security, and sustainable energy.
The Speakers reaffirmed their commitment to Africa’s Agenda 2063, a blueprint for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse by 2063.
