Tanzania's Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has urged African countries to accelerate the implementation of development frameworks, increase production, and build economies capable of withstanding external shocks. Representing President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan at the Alamein-Africa Business Forum in New Alamein, Egypt, Mr Ndejembi emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen their productive capacity and ensure that the continent's natural resources drive sustainable development.
Mr Ndejembi noted that Africa already has good policies, plans, and agreements, but what is needed now is to implement them in practice by changing the mindset, strengthening cooperation, increasing political will, and making decisions that put the interests of African people first. He cited Tanzania's experience in implementing major strategic projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which has a generation capacity of 2,115 megawatts.
The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project is part of Tanzania's efforts to increase access to reliable electricity for households and productive activities, with the country targeting universal access to electricity by 2050. Under the National Development Vision 2050, Tanzania has identified strategic areas aimed at increasing production and strengthening the energy sector, including greater use of natural gas and renewable energy sources.
Mr Ndejembi also called for stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector, increased cross-border investment, and deeper economic integration among African countries to reduce dependence on external markets and capital. He emphasized that African governments should create an enabling environment for private capital to flow into productive projects capable of creating jobs, increasing output, and adding value to the continent's resources.
Burundi President and African Union Chairperson Évariste Ndayishimiye said Africa had abundant natural resources, fertile agricultural land, minerals, energy sources, a large youth population, and a significant consumer market. However, he noted that the challenge was to transform those resources and opportunities into tangible economic results through stronger economic cooperation, investment, and production.
The Alamein-Africa Business Forum brought together leaders and senior government officials from African countries, regional and international financial institutions, investors, businesspeople, and corporate executives. The forum seeks to strengthen trade, investment, and cooperation among African governments, institutions, and the private sector, while promoting economic integration, industrialisation, and sustainable development across the continent.
Key points
- Tanzania's Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has called on African countries to implement policies and strategies to translate the continent's resources into tangible benefits for its people.
- African countries need to strengthen their productive capacity and ensure that the continent's natural resources drive sustainable development.
- The Alamein-Africa Business Forum aims to promote economic integration, industrialisation, and sustainable development across the continent.
