President Jacob Zuma on Thursday said while numerous landmarks have been recorded across Africa, particularly in democratising the continent, the economic front was not a success story yet despite the several interventions.
“Africa has made a lot of progress since the formation of the OAU [Organisation of African Union]. The promotion of democracy in the continent has taken root. This is visible through the democratic elections that take place at the end of terms of governments, which have led to peaceful transitions from one government to another in many countries in the continent,” Zuma said in his speech at the Africa Day he hosted at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
“The zero tolerance for coups d’etat and the action that is taken against leaders who refuse to accept the outcomes of democratic elections by the AU leaders, has set a new tone in the continent with regards to promoting constitutional changes to governments. The AU programme, the African Peer Review Mechanism, remains a key instrument of promoting democracy and good governance, and is one of the key innovations of our continent.”
He said the continent has also produced acclaimed authors, academics, musicians, performers, poets and scientists who are respected all over the world.
“We have also produced outstanding political leaders, some of whom have played a leading role on the world stage including at the United Nations as secretaries-general. Indeed, we continue to make progress in building a better Africa,” said Zuma.
Turning to the economic front, Zuma said the delegates at the commemoration which were mainly diplomats, that the continent was still on the long road towards emancipation.
“While such progress is being made, we also acknowledge that we still have a long road to travel towards full economic emancipation in the continent. A number of countries are growing above six percent per annum and foreign direct investment inflows continue to rise. However, serious socio-economic challenges remain in many countries,” said Zuma.
“Africa has a plan to meet the developmental challenges, the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It provides a framework to address unemployment, in particular youth unemployment, inequalities within economies, jobless economic growth as well as the need for peace and security. To address unemployment and poverty, initiatives aimed at boosting economic growth are critical.”
He said in this regard, Africa has prioritised regional integration as well as investment in infrastructure over the past decade.
“The infrastructure development programme is championed by African heads of state and government. We want to produce modern transport and telecommunication networks connecting Africa. We need roads, bridges, railway lines, trains and modern aviation systems. Africa must not be left behind in the fourth industrial revolution. We all have a responsibility to ensure that this time, Africa is definitely not left behind,” he said.
“I was given the privilege to lead the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative for the AU, and to champion the North-South Corridor focusing on road and rail, under the auspices of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. Some progress has been registered in some key North South Corridor projects, such as the Grand Inga Hydro Project, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project-Phase 2, the Beit Bridge Border Posts and linked roads.”
He said the continental Free Trade Area negotiations are also underway which will bring together a market of millions of people and help boost intra-Africa trade.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of Africa Day commemorations, the dean of the diplomatic corps, Democratic Republic of Congo ambassador Bene Bene M’Poko said the “African culture”, if embraced, can solve several scourges hurting the continent.
“People should inspire themselves from African culture. We have everything. The ingredients are there, of unity, togetherness, respect for others and the elderly. We have all the basic human ingredients in our culture. Today we talk of human abuse and human trafficking. If we can just embrace our culture, throughout the world, we can solve a lot of conflict,” said M’Poko.
“Long ago, when there was a quarrel or a conflict, people would sit under the tree and they would find a solution. They would drink something afterwards, and everybody was at peace. Regardless of what happened, people had the capacity to reconcile and move forward as one people.”
Concurring with Zuma, M’Poko said the continent needs to be liberated economically.
– African News Agency (ANA)
