Botswana and Nigeria’s Foreign Ministers convened in Addis Ababa to advocate for closer cooperation among African countries to achieve indigenous solutions for the continent’s problems. They emphasized the importance of intra-Africa trade and the need for leadership reform within the AU. Their discussions reflect aspirations for effective use of Africa’s rich resources and fulfillment of the vision outlined in “The Africa We Want.”
On February 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, the Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria emphasized the importance of collaboration among African nations to devise indigenous solutions for African challenges. Attending the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council, they asserted that unity is vital for actualizing the principle of African solutions to African problems.
Botswana’s International Relations Minister, Phenyo Butale, highlighted the necessity for African nations to work collaboratively to facilitate intra-Africa trade. He lamented the current trend of exporting raw materials, advocating for the continent to enhance the value of its resources by producing finished goods.
Minister Butale expressed optimism that African leaders would implement the vision of “The Africa We Want,” stating a hope that they would possess the will and resources to turn unfulfilled ideas into reality. This ambition includes honoring the aspirations of prior generations regarding Africa’s future.
Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, discussed insights from the AU meetings, mentioning deliberations on the Permanent Representatives Committee’s report concerning AU reforms. He stressed that this council’s discussions also focused on addressing reparations effectively for the benefit of African peoples.
Moreover, Tuggar pointed out the critical need for reform within the global financial architecture and the United Nations Security Council, advocating for a unified African voice in these reforms. Such unity, he articulated, would enhance Africa’s bargaining power on the international stage.
The Nigerian minister further stressed the necessity for new leadership within the African Union, proposing that it requires leaders dedicated to implementing reform recommendations. This leadership should strive for greater efficiency in managing the AU’s resources and time. The Executive Council’s session will precede a meeting of Heads of State and Government from February 15-16, 2025.
The Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria have called for enhanced collaboration among African nations to address challenges facing the continent. Their discussions at the African Union highlight the necessity for intra-Africa trade, the reform of global financial structures, and the need for committed leadership within the AU to effectively harness African resources for development. They remain hopeful about realizing the continent’s longstanding aspirations for unity and progress.
Original Source: www.ena.et
