AFRICA MONTH: CELEBRATING 62 YEARS OF THE AFRICAN UNION

The African Union (previously known as the Organization of African Unity) commemorates its 62^nd  year since it was established. Over this period, numerous developments have been undertaken, considerable setbacks have been interrogated, corrective courses of action applied, and new resolutions have emerged having political and commercial facets. 

One of the most significant moments in the African Union’s operations would the coming together of African nations during the global pandemic to pool their resources for an integrated approach in purchasing of personal protective equipment, availing vaccines and establishing new value chains that enabled new businesses to emerge. At the time, President Cyril Ramaphosa had assumed the role of Chairperson of the African Union and illustrated South Africa’s will and resolve for a collaborative Africa. 

The African Union theme for the year is stated as “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation”; notably, President Cyril Ramaphosa and a delegation of South African officials were invited to the African CEO’s Forum in Côte d’Ivoire and during the proceedings H.E Cyril Ramaphosa proceeded with a case for investments by the private sector in African Industries.

This demonstrated an active continental commitment to economic justice and how Africa is intentionally leading its own emancipation to correct the injustices of the past and opening room for support, responsibility and partnership as part of the private sector’s Environmental, Social and Governance framework. 

The South African Government continues to develop itself in synergy and congruence with the African Union Agenda through the ratification of the African Continental Free Trade Area signaling preferential trade with African countries. The commercial ambitions of Africa are confidently upheld by South Africa and the country is confident that economic growth stimulation will lead to more peace and intellectual revival in the continent. Continental beneficiation of goods will enhance the current skills in African industries, return Africans in the diaspora back home to the homeland all the while creating a new and exciting future. 

Africa is a continent of young people, making it important for intergenerational exchanges in order to forge our future while acknowledging our past. These exchanges will assist in preserving our cultures, knowledge systems and languages as we traverse into an Afrofuturistic reality in our continent. In the same breathe, it is expedient for the African financial sector to reconsider its risk-averse models towards young people if we are to considerable grow and develop young Africans. 

South Africa currently presides over the G20 and actively advocates for the African Union’s membership in the group. This move seeks to enhance diplomatic engagement and the adaptation to global dynamics whilst acknowledging our African-grown platforms for mutual accountability and diplomacy. 

Agenda 2063 sets out to accomplish a number of value-driven plans. As 2063 will mark 100 years of the African Union’s existence, careful consideration should be applied on freedom of speech – an inalienable precept that ensures all other rights and freedoms of people are expressed. The acknowledgement of this freedom will bring about a plethora of intelligible and applicable ideas and critical data points for sustenance and the drive to achieve continental success. 

South Africa affirms that the African Union drives solidarity, equality and the sustainability of Africa and is a key role player for the hopes of a better Africa and a better world.