Thabo Mbeki urges African unity ahead of G20 Summit in South Africa
The former South African president also warned against repeating past mistakes, like not following through on the 2010–2011 Africa Action Plan, adding that it's important for Africa to create and lead its own policies.
Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has urged African leaders to stand together economically and lead the continent's development agenda ahead of the G20 Summit scheduled for November in South Africa.
The Summit, the first to be held on South African soil, seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.
More To Read
- South Africa's Ramaphosa aims to mend US ties with Musk business push
- Exclusive: HIV patient testing falls in South Africa after US aid cuts, data shows
- South Africa overtakes Kenya as top venture capital investment destination – Report
- President Ramaphosa sets up inquiry into delayed apartheid-era prosecutions
- Tanzania lifts Ban on Malawi, South Africa agricultural imports after diplomatic truce
- Tanzania hits back at Malawi, South Africa with trade ban on agricultural products
The G20 comprises 19 member states, including some of the world's major economies, representing 85% of global Gross Domestic Product, over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.
While speaking in Dar es Salaam over the weekend, Mbeki emphasised the importance of revitalising African unity, promoting equality and advancing sustainable development across the continent.
According to Mbeki, the G20 Summit in South Africa offers Africa a vital chance to shape global conversations on key challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, unemployment, food insecurity and access to energy.
"We must be organised and speak with one voice on matters of concern," said Mbeki at a roundtable event bringing together the private sector and business leaders.
The roundtable event also touched on strategic sectors including energy, agriculture, and trade.
The former South African president also warned against repeating past mistakes, like not following through on the 2010–2011 Africa Action Plan, adding that it's important for Africa to create and lead its own policies.
"During my time in office, we championed Africa's development at the G8 through initiatives backed by our own resources. Now that the African Union is a permanent G20 member, we must seize this opportunity to push forward our priorities," he said.
On his part, Tanzanian economist Prof Samwel Wangwe called for a renewed focus on self-reliance, urging African countries to strengthen their unity, work towards a shared continental currency, protect natural resources, invest more in innovation and build stronger partnerships between governments and the private sector.
"We must rethink the role of the African Union and create an enabling environment for sustainable economic growth," Prof Wangwe said.
While pointing out that Africa receives just one-third of the infrastructure funding it needs annually, Tanzania's Director for International Trade and Economic Diplomacy, John Ulanga, emphasised the importance of streamlining trade processes and pushing forward major regional initiatives like the Cape to Cairo corridor.
"Implementation must be championed by our heads of state—but grounded in African realities," he said.
Top Stories Today
