25 May 2021

Botswana is working very closely with other African Union (AU) member states to ensure the continental bloc realises its potential and brings about the envisioned economic benefits.

This was said by Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape on the occasion of Africa Day yesterday marking 58 years of existence for the AU, formerly Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

He said Botswana had, through the continental vision Agenda 2063, identified 16 key flagship projects in the quest to promote sustainable socio-economic development.

One of the flagship projects, he said, was the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aimed at  providing a single market for goods and services within the continent.

He said AfCFTA, which came into operation in January, endeavoured to bring together all African countries, with a combined population of more than one billion and a GDP of over P30.4 trillion, making it the world’s largest free trade area.

 It was estimated that once fully operational, AfCFTA had the potential to reduce the number of people living in poverty in the SADC region by  3.9  million, he said.

Dr Kwape said the recently opened Kazungula Bridge between Botswana and Zambia was one of the major milestones under the AU integration agenda.  

The  bridge, he said, was a testament of Botswana’s commitment to regional and continental integration as it not only allowed efficient movement of goods between Botswana and Zambia but also enhanced trade throughout the continent.

Minister Kwape noted that this year’s commemoration was being held when the continent was still  grappling with COVID-19 pandemic challenges.

“The pandemic has the potential to erode the progress made by the continent in the fight against poverty and other social ills. It is therefore imperative that we double our efforts and work closely together to prevent the disease from spiraling out of control, claiming more lives and further affecting livelihoods,” he said.

The minister however said  the pandemic had provided an opportunity for Africa to re-examine its socio-economic priorities and strategies to achieve sustainable development within a reasonable period of time.

This year’s celebrations were in line with the AU 2021 theme: “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa we Want” based on Agenda 2063 aspiration for an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics. 

The theme calls for investment of more resources in promoting national and regional cohesion by investing in African culture and heritage as a vehicle for promoting and achieving economic and social development. Ends