Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
ZIMBABWE’S candidate for the African Union (AU) Commission elections for Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment Dr John Basera has pledged to integrate the continent’s youth into high-level decision-making to ensure they play a central role in Africa’s development.
He believes their involvement is essential for shaping relevant and inclusive policies.
Dr Basera, who is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, is vying for the key position and will face off with three other candidates in the election scheduled for later this month.
His candidacy has been built on a vision to transform Africa’s agriculture sector.
His vision emphasises youth integration, food security and agriculture-led industrialisation to propel the continent out of its current economic challenges.
“Given that Africa’s future is intrinsically linked to its youth, who constitute the majority of the population, it is imperative that their voices, perspectives and aspirations are integrated into high-level decision-making,” reads his campaign strategy document.
“This will not only ensure the relevance and effectiveness of policies and programmes but also foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity among the next generation.”
At the centre of his agenda is the transformation of agriculture and rural economies, which he believes is the foundation for industrialisation.
“I believe the Africa envisioned in the African Union Agenda 2063 is anchored by a vibrant agriculture and rural economy, serving as the cornerstone for overall socio-economic transformation,” he said.
A strong agriculture sector, the document outlines, will drive industrialisation by providing raw materials, skilled labour and generating income and foreign exchange.
“My vision includes an agricultural sector and rural economy that guarantees food and nutrition security for all; supplies growing industrial sector with diversity of raw materials; supplies skilled labour to growing industry; is a significant source of income and wealth creation; is a major earner of foreign exchange; and drives capital formation and domestic savings.”
He identifies the “Middle-Income Trap (MIT)” as a major obstacle to Africa’s transformation, arguing that a focus on agricultural development is key to overcoming this.
“The first decade (2013-2023) of AU Agenda 2063 is done, with moderate success and a good foundation laid for the remaining four decades,” reads the document.
The next step, he added, is to trigger a significant agricultural and food system revolution.
Chronically low productivity, climate change and negative global forces, said Dr Basera, remain the major obstacle to attaining this aspiration.
“A significant challenge is that all AU member states are trapped in either lower- or middle-income status due to unorthodox structural transformations.
“This economic stagnation prevents them from advancing beyond their current middle-income level.
“The Middle-Income Trap is a result of dual economies, where the majority, especially in rural areas, are disconnected from manufacturing and secondary commercial activities.
“MIT is characterised by stagnant economic growth rates, worsening poverty, unemployment, a shrinking domestic market and widening income gaps, leading to inevitable social and political conflicts.”
He says successful examples of overcoming MIT include the Asian Tigers and Dragons, with China being the most recent.
“These countries succeeded because they implemented massive reforms in public policy that altered their development planning.
“This was inextricably linked to manufacturing, employing a one-economy, all-inclusive and rural industrialisation strategy.”
He also proposes strengthening of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme through a whole-of-society approach, while envisioning African agriculture strongly linked to industry by 2043, creating a growing rural middle class.
By 2053, he anticipates most of Africa’s population will be urban, with a fully integrated market-driven agriculture sector.
Dr Basera will compete with candidates from Burundi, the Republic of Congo and Eswatini.
Public health adviser in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Agnes Mahomva is vying for the position of Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.
