Harare (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is pursuing several socio-economic development programs that impact positively on the lives of the people in fulfillment of objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), President Emmerson Mnangagwa told African leaders on Wednesday.
He said this while addressing a NEPAD Heads of State and Government orientation committee ahead of the African Union (AU) summit to be held over the weekend in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
NEPAD is a socio-economic flagship Programme of the AU whose four primary objectives are to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, integrate Africa in the world economy and accelerate the empowerment of women.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe had recorded far-reaching milestones on ensuring sustainable economic growth across the board.
“Zimbabwe is committed to fulfil the goal and vision of African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. As such, my government remains seized with projects that dovetail with the various priority areas of this Agency. Notable among these are infrastructure projects that will greatly impact the socio-economic growth of Zimbabwe, while at the same time complimenting the continental, integration agenda,” he said.
“These projects include road infrastructure development, modernisation of border posts, dam construction and clean energy power generation. Over and above these, programmes relating to the transformation of food systems and climate resilience; empowerment of rural communities, as well as science technology and innovation are being implemented by my Government.”
President Mnangagwa commended NEPAD for the progress it has made in implementing its priority areas despite funding and other challenges.
He pledged Zimbabwe’s commitment towards the achievement of NEPAD goals and objectives.
“Given the efforts that our countries are individually and jointly pursuing, the vision for the realization of Agenda 2063 is within our reach.
“However, we take note of the financial challenges hindering the optimum execution of our activities. As a collective and motivated by a common purpose, it is imperative that we proffer robust initiatives to mobilize resources for our programmes, from within the Continent,” he said.
“We note that the implementation phase has not been easy due to the challenges precipitated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even under the present circumstances, we applaud the Committee for implementing most of the scheduled activities, including the celebration of NEPAD’s 20th Anniversary.”
New Ziana