16 Aug 2015

Globalisation and the information technology revolution have provided unprecedented opportunities to make significant advances and lifted huge sections of populations out of poverty, improve incomes and catalyse economic and social transformations says African Union Commission director, Dr Khabele Matlosa.

He said most African economies have sound macro-economic and market-oriented economies in place which have spurred growth, trade and investment expansion.

Dr Matlosa said this during his presentation on the New Agenda for Africa’s Development, harmonising SADC and African Union agenda for People Centred Development, at the 11th Southern African Civil Society Forum in Gaborone.

The purpose of the presentation was to highlight the SADC role in the African Union Agenda 2063 in  light of the revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.

He said Africa today was faced with a confluence of factors that presented a great opportunity for consolidation and rapid progress, adding that these included unprecedented positive and sustained growth trajectory of many African countries resulting from sound macro-economic policies and strategies.

Dr Matlosa said there was a significant reduction in violent conflict, increased peace and stability, coupled with advances in democratic governance, also stating that there were prospects for a rising middle class, coupled with the youth bulge, which could act as catalyst for further growth, particularly in the consumer sectors and services

He said the Agenda 2063 should be seen as a new phase in efforts by Africans to catalyse development of the continent and strengthen African integration and unity.

“It aims to build upon the achievements and draw lessons from earlier efforts such as the Lagos Plan of Action, the Abuja Treaty and the NEPAD to address new challenges faced by the continent, in the short, medium and long-term.

 It is source of inspiration for development of national and regional sustainable development plans,” he expressed. He stated that by 2063, Africa will be a technologically advanced continent supported by the biggest workforce in the world and highly skilled human resources. ENDS