Online Reporter
Herald Reporters
SPEAKER of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda has challenged Africa to fight for economic independence, saying that without it the continent cannot be truly independent.
Advocate Mudenda said this in a meeting with a visiting Mozambican parliamentary delegation led by its Speaker, Margarida Adamugy Talapa.
The Speaker also spoke on the need for peace as a prerequisite for development.
“In history, we need to learn to agree, to disagree, but not with animosity or acrimony because we remain the same people of our given countries. As far as economic independence is concerned, this is a challenge for the whole of Africa. We got our political independence, but we are yet to be totally economically independent.
“This is why we should share the aspiration of Agenda 2063 that endeavours to bring the whole of Africa to think and act towards economic independence. Political independence without economic independence is not complete.
“The Africa Continental Free Trade Area is an instrument of achieving that goal,” he said.
Advocate Mudenda commended Mozambique for coming up with an empowerment fund for women and youths.
“We wish you well in the upliftment of women and youth through the empowerment fund. We have similar funds here for youth and women, but we have also other funds such as the Venture Capital Fund, as well as funding from private banks that have come on board in our agricultural sector, as well as mining,” he said.
Speaking through a translator during the meeting, Speaker Talapa commended the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
“We want to thank you for the warm welcome and hospitality we have received since we arrived. We commend the strong political ties between the two Republics which should now be extended to cooperation in the economic field,” she said.
The Mozambican Speaker also extended her condolences to the President and the country following the death of 97 people in the Kariba ferry disaster last month and also for those who perished in the Chivhu accident.
She also congratulated President Mnangagwa on the occasion of his birthday today.
Meanwhile, Advocate Mudenda and Speaker Talapa also signed a memorandum of understanding that will guide relations between the two legislative bodies.
