By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda has described the 5-day 9th African Population Conference being held at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) Lilongwe as a powerful testimony on Africa’s resort, pointing that it will result into development of the implementation plan to achieve the African Union (AU) conference target which was set 30 years ago as well as spearhead the first 10 years of implementation of the AU agenda 2063.
He was speaking this on Monday during the opening of the conference.
According to Chithyola Banda, the large gathering at the conference on the first day,speaks to Africa’s determination to transform the continent into a global player, fostering equitable and a people centric, sustainable economic development by leveraging Africa’s demographic dividend.
He said the conference provides a platform for experts and law makers to share knowledge, experiences and best practices in population management in pursuit of achieving Africa’s sustainable development.
The minister added despite so many challenges, people in Africa are now uniting and collaborating more in strengthening partnerships in so many areas which will accelerate Africa’s economic growth like health and education, focusing on population development, especially the youth.
“The Conference will accord Malawi an opportunity to tell her story generously and share her experiences on the population.” Chithyola said.
On his part, Prime Minister of Iceland, Bjarni Benediktsson said the conference’s theme, “Road to 2030: Leveraging Africa’s Human Capital to Achieve Transformation in a World of Uncertainty” highlights Iceland’s relationship with Malawi as evidenced by developments being carried out in Malawi by the Government of Iceland.
In her remarks, Regional Director for the United Nations Population Fund in Eastern and Southern Africa, Lydia Zigomo commended Malawi Government for hosting the conference.
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