Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in LUANDA, Angola
THE current generation of African leaders is determined to prevent the exploitation of the continent’s mineral resources without ensuring maximum benefits for their nations, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking to Zimbabwean journalists before he departed from Quatro de Fevereiro Luanda International Airport, following his attendance at the highly successful 7th African union (AU)-European union (EU) Summit, the President said the days when Western countries exploited Africa’s natural resources without benefitting the continent are long gone.
“We can’t just allow foreign countries to come and exploit our resources without benefitting from the minerals. That, of course, could have happened in the past, but the current crop of leaders in Africa would not allow it,” he said.
Zimbabwe and African nations at large, said President Mnangagwa, would only co-operate and partner with countries that seek win-win co-operation.
For the country, mining is a crucial contributor to the economy, and in recent years, the sector has responded positively to pro-investment measures implemented by the Second Republic.
President Mnangagwa has even appointed a Cabinet Committee to spearhead the development of strategies geared towards amplifying returns in the mining sector.
“When you have a mineral, you can only want to part with it at a cost, to the one who wants your mineral. If someone wants your mineral and he is not paying any cost, he cannot have it. So, we make sure that when we take our minerals out, we benefit from the resources that God gave us,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa hailed the 7th AU-EU summit as a success, noting that leaders had engaged in discussions on a wide range of issues, from global challenges to Africa’s prospects.
Among those in attendance, together with President Mnangagwa, were South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Angolan President João Lourenço, Kenyan President William Ruto, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, African union Commission (AUC) Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the president of the European Council, António Costa.
“Well, first and foremost, I am happy that there were several Heads of State who attended this summit. It was an opportunity where we shared both our challenges and the prospects for our region as well as for Africa,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said it was also encouraging to note the continued development of Angola.
“The infrastructure they have developed is something that we need to emulate. The buildings that we now see in Angola… I have been here about 10, 20, 30 years ago. Each time I come, I discover that they are moving on,” he said.
Zimbabwe, added the President, could certainly draw lessons from Angola’s developmental journey.
“We, as Zimbabwe, are happy that we learn a lot from what Angola has achieved as a free country.
“They have done so well…it’s progress and we in Zimbabwe, I believe, have a lot to learn from Angola.
The peace they are enjoying is also something we can emulate,” he said.
In his remarks at the Summit, Mr Guterres said cooperation between Africa and Europe was an imperative now more than ever.
“Africa has the resources and a dynamic young workforce. Europe has the capital and the technological know-how. Together, you can end the injustices of poverty, address the root causes of migration and displacement, and unleash the economic potential of these continents,” he said.
On his part, Mr Youssouf called for a stronger and more viable multilateralism based on equality and respect for all nations.
“We can make this journey together for the sake of uplifting our shared humanity over selfishness and narrow-minded protectionism,” he said.
In her remarks during the gathering, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen called for “Africa and Europe to be partners of choice”.
“In a world of trade conflicts, a closer partnership between us begins with trade itself.
“Europe is already your first trading partner by far,” said.
The AU-EU summit took place barely two days after South Africa, another Southern African country, hosted the G-20 Summit comprising leading economies of the world, demonstrating the continent’s growing position as a notable centre of power.
President Mnangagwa returned home yesterday and was received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, Minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Martin Rushwaya, senior Government officials and service chiefs.
