President calls for unity, reparative justice

Zvamaida Murwira in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Africa must act with urgency and unity in coming up with solutions on challenges affecting the continent, to give fresh impetus to the current regional integration drive, President Mnangagwa has said.

The President, who is also Sadc chairperson said this yesterday while addressing the 7th Mid Year Coordination Meeting held at Sipopo International Conference Centre in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The meeting brought together AU Assembly Bureau comprising Heads of State and Government and Heads of continental Regional Economic Communities, among other stakeholders.

Heads of State and Government include AU chairperson and Angolan president Joao Lourenco and host country leader, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

The meeting, which was also attended by AU Commission chairperson, Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, was held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

In his address, President Mnangagwa said any vision of a just future must acknowledge that present day inequalities were deeply rooted in centuries of exploitation and injustice.

He said by advocating for reparative justice, there was need to reaffirm the value of African lives, confront the legacy of historical wrongs and commit to build a more just and equitable world.

“The challenges of coordination between the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms and Member States, is another critical area, which has contributed towards the slow pace of integration in the African continent. It is recommended that the AU and RECs, must increase, strengthen and quicken their coordination efforts.

“Likewise, a clear division of labour is necessary to avoid duplication,” said President Mnangagwa.

“I wish to emphasise that Africa cannot afford to stand still. We must act with urgency, unity and foresight. Timely responses to these and many other issues, must give impetus to our quest to deepen integration, invest in resilience and build African.”

He said trade among Sadc countries continues to rise as efforts to enhance regional integration and cooperation within the regional bloc bears fruit.

“The implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area is ongoing. Growth in the intra-SADC trade showed an upward trend to 19.8% in 2024 from 18% in 2022. With 85% of tariffs already eliminated, momentum exists that should see the SADC region surpass our 30% intra-regional trade target,” said President Mnangagwa.

“The COMESA-EASTERN African Community-SADC Tripartite, represents 29 Member States, 60% of Africa’s Gross Domestic Product and over 800 million people. Intra-tripartite trade accounts for approximately 15% to 18% of total trade within the bloc. As such, collaboration within this framework remains key to scaling up our industrial output, opening trade corridors and implementing cross-regional infrastructure.”

He said industrialisation of SADC was being intensified with development of value chains across all sectors getting great attention.

The envisioned establishment of a SADC Parliament, said President Mnangagwa, attested to the bloc’s commitment to deepen inclusive and participatory governance, that left no one and no place behind.

“On its part, SADC has made notable strides across various dimensions of integration. The region remains relatively peaceful and stable, with a well-functioning Early Warning System, conflict-resolution as well as robust post-conflict initiatives and an operational Regional Standby Force,” he said.

“We are steadfast in promoting peace, human rights, in addition to democratic values, as prerequisites for sustainable development and stability.”

He said infrastructure integration was also being prioritised to enhance regional connectivity.

“The continued growth of the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement System has reinforced efficient cross-border payments in 15 Member States.”

President Mnangagwa implored development partners to support Africa’s call for equitable climate financing, especially for adaptation.

“SADC also reaffirms the continent’s position on Loss and Damage and calls for operationalisation of related funding commitments made at COP summits.

“Our southern region continues to work towards guaranteeing food security and sovereignty through regional seed banks, veterinary services and pooled procurement of essential medicines. A regional pandemic preparedness plan is also underway to fortify our health systems,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said vocational education was being promoted in the region.

“Technical and vocational education is being deliberately promoted while the comprehensive SADC Qualifications Framework, currently being developed, will enable easier movement of learners and workers across the SADC region and beyond. We are also finalising steps for the SADC University On Transformation, focusing on research, innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.

Turning to the theme, President Mnangagwa said the theme of the conference was befitting in so far as it called for reparation.

“Reflecting on the AU Theme of 2025, our stance as SADC, is that justice for Africans and people of African descent is not only a moral imperative, but a historical obligation. Centuries of enslavement, colonial exploitation, racial discrimination, and systemic inequality have left deep scars that continue to impact communities across Africa and its diaspora,” said President Mnangagwa.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa left Equatorial Guinea last night for Japan where he is expected to attend the Osaka Expo.

He is being accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet responsible for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba.