Solidarity, Sustainability and Equality – Advancing Intra Africa Trade

Honourable Speaker
Honourable Members of Parliament
Esteemed Colleagues
Members of the Public
Esteemed Guests

Amilcar Cabral, the Pan-Africanist revolutionary who helped liberate Guinea-Bissau, once said, “Always bear in mind that the people are not fighting for ideas, for the things in anyone’s head. They are fighting to win material benefits, to live better and in peace, to see their lives go forward, to guarantee the future of their children.” His words remind us that political independence must lead to tangible economic opportunities.

Today, as we advance intra-African trade, we do so with a commitment to solidarity, equality, and sustainable development. Africa’s prosperity depends on harnessing our shared ingenuity, resources, and markets to create a self-reliant and resilient continent. However, African economies have historically been exclusivist and extractive commodity based economies trapped in a cycle of exporting raw materials at low prices while importing finished goods at high costs. This economic model has always stifled our job creation, innovation, and self-sufficiency.

Honourable Members,

Debt restructuring remains an urgent concern. Many African nations carry unsustainable debt, often accrued under unfair terms that divert resources away from critical investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. South Africa and other African nations have advocated for transparent, fair, and comprehensive debt relief measures through global platforms such as the G20. This is not an appeal for charity but a necessary step towards sustainable economic growth.

Honourable Members

For intra-African trade to thrive, tariff elimination, streamlined customs procedures, and modernized borders must be prioritized. However, tariff reductions alone are insufficient. Africa must transition from raw material extraction into value-added manufacturing to build industrial value chains that create jobs and increase export earnings.

From cocoa processing in West Africa to automobile manufacturing in Southern Africa, Africa has the potential to become a global industrial hub. Reducing dependence on former colonial economies remains key. Many African states still rely on a handful of external trading partners, limiting our economic sovereignty. We must trade more among ourselves, ensuring Africa’s wealth benefits Africans first.

Honourable Members

The AfCFTA is a historic opportunity to reshape Africa’s economic landscape. If fully implemented, it will eliminate tariffs on most goods, harmonize trade regulations, and boost intra-African commerce exponentially. AfCFTA also serves as a shield against global economic disruptions, ensuring Africa remains resilient in the face of global shocks such as pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and commodity price volatility.

However, AfCFTA’s success requires strong political will, institutional capacity, and private-sector engagement. Governments must fully integrate AfCFTA protocols into national trade strategies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of African economies, need financial and technical support to navigate new trade regulations. Dispute resolution mechanisms and transparent legal frameworks are also essential to ensure fair competition and compliance.

Honourable Members,

Africa’s economic transformation requires reform of global governance institutions. The United Nations Security Council, shaped by outdated post-World War II power structures, excludes Africa, limiting our ability to influence decisions that impact peace, security, and trade. Likewise, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) must be reformed to better reflect Africa’s economic priorities. Instead of imposing rigid financial conditions, these institutions must support Africa.

Africa’s youthful population presents a demographic dividend that must be fully harnessed. Investing in education, digital skills, and research will prepare young people for the jobs of the future. Prioritizing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and digital innovation will help Africa leapfrog outdated industrial models and compete in the global knowledge economy.

Equally, women must have equal access to finance, markets, and technology. Women-led businesses contribute significantly to GDP, expand domestic demand, and increase trade. Removing barriers to women’s participation in industries such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and digital commerce will unleash Africa’s full economic potential.

All these objectives—trade reform, debt relief, AfCFTA implementation, institutional reform, and human capital investment—aim to Build a Better Africa and a Better World and rest upon a broader ethical foundation which includes but is not limited to :  

(1) Pan Africanism and Anti Imperialism ,

(2) Human Rights ( equality, dignity self-determination etc ) and the Rule of Law,

(3) Peace, sustainability and friendship ,

(4) Multi polarity, multi culturalism, multilateralism; and

(5) International Solidarity.

Economic progress cannot flourish in conflict-ridden regions. War and instability disrupt trade routes, deter investment, and erode economic confidence. The African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative recognizes that economic growth and peace are inseparable. Without peace there can be no development and without development there can be no peace ( Amartya Sen ) , and as such intra-African trade cannot reach its full potential.

At the same time, climate change threatens Africa disproportionately. Extreme weather, droughts, and desertification undermine food security, displace populations, and impact trade. Our pursuit of industrialization must align with green energy transitions and sustainable practices. AfCFTA must facilitate the exchange of climate-friendly technologies and enable Africa’s businesses to develop sustainable industries.

Honourable Members,

South Africa’s G20 presidency, the first chaired by an African nation, presents an unprecedented opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice in global economic affairs. Under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, South Africa champions Pan-Africanism, multilateralism, multi-polarity and inclusive development. Our G20 agenda aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and seeks to place Africa’s unique economic priorities at the centre of global trade and financial policies.

South Africa is advocating for amongst others:

• Debt sustainability for African nations
• Mobilizing finance for Africa’s green energy transition
• Harnessing Africa’s mineral resources for inclusive growth
• Closing the digital divide and expanding internet access

We are also pushing for World Trade Organisation (WTO) reforms that promote fairer trade policies and encourage technology transfer to Africa. The global trade system must evolve to diversify industrial production across all regions, rather than concentrating economic power in a few developed nations.

Honourable Members,

With only a few years left to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the urgency for reform has never been greater. South Africa’s G20 leadership comes at a critical time—one that requires unity, co-operation, and decisive action. By balancing strategic partnerships with African-led initiatives, we can drive meaningful reforms while ensuring economic resilience.

Our goal is to reposition the G20 as a driver for global consensus between the North and South on pressing issues such as economic inequality, climate change, and trade justice. Africa’s voice must be heard, respected, and acted upon.

Africa stands at a historic crossroads. Through deeper trade integration, fairer financing, and visionary leadership, we can break from past cycles of dependency and build a prosperous, self-sufficient future. By investing in human capital, modernizing infrastructure, and embracing sustainability, we can unlock Africa’s full economic potential.

Let us seize this moment to work together to  forge a more just, equal, humane, and prosperous Africa and world that is a home for all.

I thank you

(End 1126 words )