Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered a speech to the summit of countries founding the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), emphasizing that Africa must transition from planning to implementation and from declaring commitments to achieving measurable results. He stressed that African ownership of the development process requires not only setting goals and priorities but also having the means to finance, implement, monitor, and evaluate them.
President Tebboune highlighted that NEPAD's 25th anniversary is an opportunity to assess the progress made and chart a new course for development and integration in Africa. He recalled the initiative's launch as a significant milestone in African cooperation, aiming to empower the continent to take charge of its development and solidify African ownership of its priorities and policies.
The Algerian president acknowledged the contributions of African leaders who played a crucial role in establishing NEPAD, driven by the conviction that development is a right for African people and that the continent must shape its choices and priorities independently. He also praised the late President Houari Boumédiène for advocating for African peoples' sovereignty over their natural resources and promoting a more equitable international economic order.
President Tebboune reviewed NEPAD's progress since the 1980s, from the Lagos Plan of Action to its transformation into the African Union Development Agency. He noted that Africa has made significant strides in building its development tools and mechanisms, particularly in infrastructure, human development, governance, and economic integration.
However, President Tebboune also emphasized the need to address the gap between Africa's ambitions and the actual results achieved. He stressed that the challenge lies in transitioning from planning to implementation, from fragmented approaches to comprehensive and impactful projects, and from declared commitments to measurable outcomes that positively impact African citizens' lives.
Algeria has made significant investments in pan-African projects, including the trans-Saharan highway, a railway network expansion, and a submarine fiber-optic cable. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and promote economic integration across the continent. President Tebboune also highlighted Algeria's efforts to support human development in Africa through education and training programs.
President Tebboune identified the financing gap as a significant obstacle to Africa's development. He emphasized the need for Africa to mobilize its resources, redirect its savings towards development priorities, and strengthen its financial institutions. The president also stressed the importance of the private sector as a key partner in investment, production, and innovation.
Key points
- Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune calls for Africa to move from planning to implementation and self-financing in development.
- NEPAD's 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone in African cooperation and development.
- Algeria is committed to supporting African development through various initiatives and projects.
