Story by Josephine Mugiyo
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says Africa needs home grown solutions as it seeks innovative means of fully utilising its resources for the development of the continent.
The Head of State said this as he officially opened the 56th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Conference for African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in Victoria Falls this Monday.
This Monday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the 56th edition of the Unified Nation’s Economic Commission for Africa Conference for Africans ministers of finance, planning and economic development.
The meeting which started on the 28th of February saw the officials discussing various issues which included, the issue of limited fiscal space, the worsening debt crisis and climate change.
Over 200 delegates have been deliberating various challenges affecting African economies, with the Ministers of Finance from African countries putting their heads together as they seek more advanced ways of growing the continent’s economy to improve the people’s livelihoods.
President Mnangagwa’s message resonated with the Second Republic’s mantra of inclusive development as the continent pursues Agenda 2063.
“It is my hope that your discussions at this Conference will help sharpen our strategies and fast-track our efforts to attain the Africa we want, as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The world is undergoing major turbulence and transformations, mainly on account of production activities.
“These are in turn negatively impacting ecological systems and social equity, resulting in imbalances between and within countries, while spurring climate change, bio-diversity losses and non-inclusive growth. Specifically, the effects of climate change are increasingly constraining African countries from exploiting their rich natural resource endowments, in a sustainable manner, leading to diminishing returns along economic value chains.”
Turning to the effects of climate change, President Mnangagwa said it is commendable that this year’s session will discuss financing solutions and technological developments in the transition to inclusive green economies on the African continent.
“The adoption of multi-pronged pathways is thus crucial for inclusive green economies. These must not only aid in poverty eradication, but also safeguard ecological thresholds that support human development, health and well-being.
“Further, these should enable Africa to deal with multiple common challenges of climate change, the ripple effects of the post-COVID19 pandemic, geo- political shocks as well as financial crises and excessive debt overhang, among others.”
The Head of State emphasised the need for Africa to look within and come up with solutions to deal with problems affecting the continent.
“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 challenge you to pursue robust and innovative measures to unlock maximum benefits from our natural resources, which essentially starts with the sharing of ideas through deeper collaborations.
“Africa must build climate resilient infrastructures to drive green industrialisation that is inclusive, sustainable, eradicated poverty and creates jobs,” said the President.
Responding to questions from the media on the sidelines of the official opening of the UNECA summit, President Mnangagwa gave an insight into Zimbabwe’s preparations to host the SADC Summit in August this year.
“if you look at SADC states I don’t think there is any that should be looked down upon to say it can’t host SADC and Zimbabwe is one of those nations, I believe it will be a record of excellence as we host.”
Such meetings allow the African leaders to discuss ways of bettering the continent and President Mnangagwa called for deeper conversations that propel development.
