By Twink Jones Gadama
In a passionate call to action, President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi has urged African leaders to strive for an “Africa that is funded by Africans.” Speaking during the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) 42nd Session of Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) virtual meeting, President Chakwera emphasized the need for Africa to harness its natural resources to drive development.
“Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources, including water and precious minerals,” President Chakwera noted. “These resources should be fully utilized to make Africa the center of development and the hope for the next generation.”
President Chakwera also stressed the importance of utilizing mining exploits on the continent to propel Africa’s development, rather than relying on external funding. He reiterated Malawi’s commitment to achieving the goals outlined in the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, a blueprint for transforming the continent.
The Malawian leader also highlighted the existence of various regional trade corridors under construction, which he believes can cement integration among AU member states and boost trade and development opportunities. He praised the government of Zambia for adopting reforms aimed at creating opportunities for the youth and implementing curricular reforms to equip them with skills that will drive meaningful development on the continent.
The virtual meeting was attended by several African leaders, including President Abdul Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, who chairs the AUDA-NEPAD committee. President El-Sisi thanked member states for entrusting him with the leadership role and highlighted Egypt’s progress in improving infrastructure and creating jobs for the youth.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, emphasized the need for peace to be at the core of Africa’s development agenda. He also called for an end to foreign aid dependency, echoing President Chakwera’s sentiments.
Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AFDB), confirmed his commitment to supporting Agenda 2063 and highlighted the bank’s investments in infrastructure development projects, including a trade corridor between Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. The AFDB plans to invest an additional USD 21 billion in infrastructure development projects in Africa.
Benedict Orama, President of the African Export-Import (Afrexim) Bank, pledged to increase financial investment on the African continent from USD 21 billion to USD 40 billion by 2026. He noted that the funding has facilitated the implementation of infrastructural development programs that address the fundamental needs of Africans.
The virtual meeting was also attended by leaders from Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Senegal, and Equatorial Guinea, among others. President Chakwera was accompanied by Hon. Nancy Tembo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other ministry officials.
