Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi of Tanzania has emphasized the need for African countries to accelerate the integration of transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. This, he believes, will help boost trade, strengthen value chains, and build a resilient continental economy capable of withstanding global shocks. Representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Mr. Ndejembi made the call during the eighth meeting of the African Union (AU) Committee of Heads of State and Government in El Alamein, Egypt.
Mr. Ndejembi highlighted that the economic shocks affecting Africa and the world have posed challenges to African integration. He stressed the importance of accelerating industrialization, strengthening regional value chains, and increasing trade among African countries. The Vice-President also noted that infrastructure challenges and shortages have emerged in the value chains of essential commodities such as food and fertilizer. He emphasized the need for African countries to take joint and urgent action to address these challenges.
Tanzania is taking measures to strengthen integration within the East African Community. These measures include upgrading the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) and constructing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Tanzania with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, Tanzania is improving ports and air transport infrastructure. The country is also implementing electricity transmission projects aimed at linking the East African Power Pool (EAPP) and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
These projects, according to Mr. Ndejembi, will help accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They will also speed up integration and strengthen the continent's capacity to withstand economic shocks and disruptions to supply chains. The Vice-President announced that Tanzania intends to propose "Bridging Borders: Accelerating African Economic Integration through Infrastructure Connectivity" as the AU theme for 2028.
The proposed theme aims to provide greater political momentum to transport, energy, and digital infrastructure connecting African countries. It also seeks to improve cross-border trade systems, reduce transport costs, and attract investment in infrastructure between countries. Furthermore, the theme will support the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the AfCFTA. It will also strengthen industrialization and regional value chains.
Mr. Ndejembi emphasized that Africa needs a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for the effective use of its resources. This strategy will be critical in financing major regional and continental projects capable of delivering sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth. He clarified that Tanzania is not proposing the creation of a new program or institution. Instead, the country seeks to provide fresh political momentum and joint action in implementing plans that Africa has already established.
The eighth meeting of the AU Committee of Heads of State and Government was attended by leaders from 15 African countries. The meeting focused on accelerating African integration and implementation of Agenda 2063. Leaders highlighted the need to connect markets, infrastructure, production, and security to ensure that Africa's development plans deliver tangible results for its people.
Key points
- Tanzania's Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi has called on African countries to accelerate integration of transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.
- The proposed AU theme for 2028 aims to provide greater political momentum to transport, energy, and digital infrastructure connecting African countries.
- Africa needs a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for the effective use of its resources to finance major regional and continental projects.
