Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Angolan President Joao Lourenco co-chaired the summit of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) on Sunday. The summit brought together heads of state and representatives from NEPAD's member countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa. Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, as the current chair of the African Union, and representatives from the African Union Commission and NEPAD's executive director also attended the meeting.
Senegalese President Bassirou Faye praised Egypt's efforts in promoting African development through various initiatives implemented by NEPAD. He noted that NEPAD has made significant progress in 25 years, implementing projects related to development, infrastructure, and intra-African trade. Faye highlighted the challenges facing Africa, including poverty, food insecurity, and youth unemployment, and emphasized the need for collective responsibility and solidarity among NEPAD member states.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Yousuf stated that the "Alamein Declaration" by NEPAD's member states comes at a crucial time, recognizing the agency's role as a driving force for African development. He noted that the economic situation in Africa has changed over the years, with significant progress in human development, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. Yousuf emphasized the need for Africa to become self-sufficient and not rely on imports from outside the continent.
NEPAD Executive Director Nardos Bekele-Thomas highlighted the agency's efforts to implement Africa's 2063 agenda, which aims to eradicate poverty and promote development. She noted that NEPAD has been working on various projects in areas such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, but faces significant funding challenges. Bekele-Thomas called for a review of NEPAD's executive regulations to align them with the agency's development goals and for the establishment of a development fund to support project implementation.
Algerian National People's Assembly President Azzouz Nasseri, representing Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, emphasized the importance of NEPAD in promoting African development and self-reliance. He noted that Algeria has made significant contributions to NEPAD's initiatives, including the Trans-Saharan Highway and fiber-optic projects. Nasseri called for addressing the funding gap in African development and for a more equitable international financial system.
South African representative Kgathatso Mabitsela stated that NEPAD's member states have made significant progress in promoting African development and integration. He emphasized the need for continued cooperation and solidarity among member states to achieve Africa's development goals, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, energy, and transportation. Mabitsela highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration among member states to accelerate development.
The summit marked a significant milestone in NEPAD's 25-year history, with member states reaffirming their commitment to promoting African development and self-reliance. The meeting provided a platform for leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the continent and to identify strategies for accelerating development. Key points from the summit include the need for increased funding, improved governance, and enhanced cooperation among member states to achieve Africa's development goals.
Key points
- The summit brought together heads of state and representatives from NEPAD's member countries to discuss African development and self-reliance.
- NEPAD has made significant progress in 25 years, implementing projects related to development, infrastructure, and intra-African trade.
- The agency faces significant funding challenges, with 93% of its funding coming from external donors.
