Chapo calls for economic cooperation between African countries

Maputo, 26 May (AIM) – Mozambican President Daniel Chapo calls for unity and strengthened economic cooperation between African countries to achieve economic independence.

According to Chapo, who was speaking on Monday, in Maputo, at the ceremony marking the Africa Day, which is celebrated on 25 May, colonial borders continue to hinder the full integration of African peoples, despite shared historical, cultural, and linguistic ties across many countries.

“The secret to Africa’s development is unity. Many African communities share surnames, languages, and customs”, he said.

Chapo believes that the continent’s progress depends on strengthening regional organizations and gradually removing barriers to the movement of people and goods.

“Air connectivity is extremely important for our continent. Therefore, investments in development corridors and cross-border infrastructure are strategic to boost intra-African trade”, he said.

The president also invoked historical African leaders Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi, describing them as advocates of pan-African unity whose vision should continue to inspire current generations.

During the ceremony, which also marked the launch of events of the 40th anniversary of the death of the first Mozambican President Samora Machel, peace is extremely important for economic and social development.

“Development can only be achieved in contexts of stability, reconciliation, and collective responsibility”, he said.

According to Chapo Machel is an indispensable figure for Mozambique, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the rest of the continent.

He highlighted Machel’s role in liberation struggles across Africa and in consolidating regional independence.

The President also said that Mozambique continues to face internal and external challenges, including extreme weather events and international economic pressures such as rising fuel prices.

NL/ZT/Am/