Zambia Calls for Unified Efforts Among AU Member States to Accelerate Development
Hon. Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is leading the Zambian delegation at the 45th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) in Accra, Ghana, from July 18-19, 2024.
The council is addressing key issues impacting the African continent and is expected to approve the AU Budget for 2025, facilitating the execution of the AU’s mandate and flagship projects.
In his address on the AU Agenda 2063, Hon. Haimbe highlighted the critical need for member states to allocate resources strategically to accelerate progress. He emphasized resilience to climate change, closing the financing gap, and investing in infrastructure development to enhance regional integration as priority areas.
The Minister noted that the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan for Agenda 2063 has faced setbacks due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and recent climate change impacts.
He stressed the importance of aligning national development plans with Agenda 2063 and strengthening implementation systems and coordination mechanisms.
Reflecting on the 2024 AU theme, “Educating Africans Fit for the 21st Century,” Hon. Haimbe reported that Zambia has integrated the aspirations of Agenda 2063 into its development plans and budgets. This includes increased investment in education, free education access, teacher recruitment, and bursaries for technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship training programs.
The Minister affirmed Zambia’s commitment to prioritizing high-impact areas of Agenda 2063 as it prepares to formulate its ninth National Development Plan in 2025.
During discussions on establishing new partnerships, Hon. Haimbe underscored the importance of leveraging strategic partnerships and participating as a united front to address socio-economic challenges. He called for the swift adoption of a framework to maximize the benefits of global partnerships.
The Minister also highlighted the need for effective monitoring of partnerships, advocating for active agenda setting and coordination by AU member states to resolve issues of classification and participation.
The Executive Council meeting sets the stage for the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, and the Regional Mechanisms, scheduled for July 21, 2024.
President Hakainde Hichilema is expected to deliver a statement via video in his capacity as Chairperson of the COMESA Authority.
