Maputo, 21 Sep (AIM) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo on Saturday warned that Africa will only achieve sustainable development if it invests in justice, social inclusion and education, which he regarded as the pillars for transforming the continent and eradicating poverty.
As the main speaker at a conference on Africa held at Columbia University, in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Chapo stressed that the elimination of poverty depends on genuine socio-economic transformation.
“Obviously, the path to sustainable development in Africa will not be easy or linear”, he said. “It will face obstacles that characterise the structural transformation of the economy and of society. Political, economic and social inclusion is a noble imperative, and constitutes justice for African countries to achieve Agenda 2063”.
Chapo declared that Africa will need to invest increasingly in its human capital, particularly in its women and its young people, to speed up development. “There is no reason why Africa, a continent with immense natural and strategic resources, and with a population that is mostly young, should continue to be the poorest region on the planet”, he said. “We are determined to eradicate poverty in Africa, through social and economic transformation – an agenda led by African peoples, for the benefit of Africans”.
For Chapo, education is central to any development strategy. “We are continuing to invest in good quality and relevant education that can drive the structural transformation and growth of economies, guaranteeing decent work, particularly for young people and for women, and economic opportunities for all”, he said.
Referring to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Chapo said this is a vision for “an integrated Africa of justice and human development”, which would rest on strengthening agriculture and fisheries in order to banish hunger.
Addressing young participants in the conference, Chapo urged them “to draw inspiration from a glorious common past to strengthen the bonds of cultural, economic and scientific cooperation between African and American peoples”.
The President also called for “inclusive human development that leaves nobody out”. The opening of Mozambique to foreign investment and the efforts under way to maintain peace and political stability were key to establishing the conditions for sustainable human development.
“We want growth that respects the environment, that values our local communities, and that leaves nobody out”, Chapo stressed.
Crucial to the country’s growth were its mineral resources, for which there was great international demand. He cited the Mozambican graphite mines operated by the Australian company Twigg Exploration and Mining. About 70 per cent of the graphite used in Tesla batteries comes from Mozambique.
(AIM)
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