Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has highlighted the crucial role of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) in driving Africa's development agenda. During his address at the summit of the agency's founding states, held in the New Administrative Capital, President Sisi emphasized that AUDA-NEPAD is a cornerstone of Africa's development efforts. He called for sustained support and enhanced institutional capacity to enable the agency to effectively address the continent's growing needs.
President Sisi noted that AUDA-NEPAD has evolved significantly since its inception as the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) in 2001. The agency has become the African Union's key arm in translating the objectives of Agenda 2063 into tangible development programs and projects. He acknowledged the agency's contributions to infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, human capital development, and regional integration.
The Egyptian President emphasized that Africa and the world have undergone significant transformations in recent decades. He highlighted the importance of technology, digitalization, and innovation in shaping countries' capabilities and fostering sustainable development. President Sisi stressed that Africa's development vision must be aligned with these rapid changes, with a focus on harnessing the potential of the African youth and promoting knowledge-based economies.
President Sisi underscored the vital role of the private sector in driving development and creating jobs. He called on governments to create a conducive investment environment by developing infrastructure, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and promoting business-friendly policies. The President also emphasized the need for effective partnerships between the public and private sectors to mobilize resources and implement projects that yield tangible economic and social returns.
During Egypt's chairmanship of the agency's steering committee, President Sisi prioritized development financing and worked to address the funding gaps that hinder Africa's development progress. He initiated the Africa Business Forum, held biennially in the New Administrative Capital, to support the implementation of Africa's development plans and projects within the framework of Agenda 2063.
President Sisi expressed his pride in Egypt's achievements during its chairmanship of the steering committee and welcomed Angola's assumption of the chairmanship. He expressed confidence that under President João Lourenço's leadership, Angola will build on these accomplishments and further enhance the agency's role in supporting Africa's development and integration efforts.
Key points
- President Sisi calls for sustained support to AUDA-NEPAD to effectively address Africa's growing development needs.
- The agency has contributed to infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, and human capital development across the continent.
- President Sisi emphasizes the importance of the private sector in driving development and creating jobs in Africa.
