African Heads of States met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the African Union, AU summit where they also discussed about ‘Trade’ across the African countries. The summit commenced on January 25, 2018.
The theme of this year’s 30th African Union Summit is “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation,” and Africa’s 55 Heads of State and their ministers have to show their records in fighting corruption and design new ways of fighting graft.
Devising new ways to fight and end graft, President Muhammad Buhari, the President of Nigeria was appointed to lead the war against corruption, on behalf of the other leaders.
Discussing about trade in Africa at the summit, the reform measures, crafted by a panel led by Paul Kagame, the Rwandan President, around enhanced financial contributions as well as ensuring greater efficiency at the AU Commission in Ethiopia, Kenya is broadly supportive of the reforms.
The reforms were apprehended by Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya adding that his country is one of the more than 20 countries reported to be implementing the 0.2 per cent levy on eligible imports.
‘Kenya strongly supports the Reforms at the African Union, as that is the surest way to ensure the Union, its Commission, Organs and Agencies are fit for purpose and well equipped to deliver on the ambitious aspirations of the African People as spelt out in Agenda 2063,’ President Kenyatta said.
‘As we implement institutional reforms in our Union, it is critically important that we carry everyone along. The processes through which we make important decisions, to drive the reforms, have to be consultative and they should enable us to build the broadest possible consensus on the reform package. Where genuine concerns are raised by Member States, it is important that these are addressed expeditiously and comprehensively,’ the President added.
Kenya is among the leading campaigners for free movement of people and goods in Africa.
‘I am therefore, encouraged to note that more than 20 countries, including my own, are currently implementing the 0.2 per cent levy on eligible imports as reported. Equally encouraging is the fact that the Commission and the Reform Implementation Unit have customized flexible financial options in recognition of individual country circumstances. I would urge all other member states to make every effort to ensure the financial independence of our Union,’ President Kenyatta further said.
Margaret Kenyatta, Kenya’s First lady together with 15 other African First Ladies who are in Addis Ababa to attend the 20th General Assembly of Organization of African First Ladies Against Aids (OAFLA) also attend the opening ceremony of the AU Heads of State and Government summit.
Speaking before handing over to President Kagame, President Alpha Conde, the President of Guinea and the outgoing chairperson of the AU Assembly, emphasized the need to consolidate the Continental Free Trade Area to promote intra-Africa trade.
President Condé further expressed the need for Africa to address its chronic budget deficit.
‘We cannot continue to depend on financial aid for our programmes. It is important for Africa to take its destiny in its hands and fund its transformation agenda,’ President Condé emphasized.
Reporter: Shamilah Namuddu
