President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised that unity must be more than just a catchphrase and cautioned that if African countries do not cooperate, they run the risk of stagnation and missed opportunities.
In his speech to the Zambian Parliament on Thursday, February 5, Mahama emphasised the significance of concerted effort and regional cooperation in accelerating economic growth throughout the continent.
As crucial instruments for sustainable development, he advocated for the creation of regional prosperity platforms, such as shared manufacturing zones, integrated energy grids, and digital infrastructure.
“We must negotiate with one voice on minerals, trade, and climate finance. Unity must be our strategy, not just our slogan,” he said.
President Mahama called for the repatriation and investment of some of Africa’s foreign reserves that are presently kept in Western financial institutions in his capacity as the African Union’s advocate of African financial institutions.
He continued, “Most of these foreign reserves, by colonial construct, generate little or no interest. If 30% were repatriated and invested in our own financial institutions, it would create an immense pool of wealth to drive rapid infrastructural expansion and economic growth.”
Source: newsthemegh.com