The President of the Union of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, who is also the Chairman of the African Union (AU), called on Monday in Johannesburg, African institutions to deploy all necessary means and join efforts to find solutions to the multiple crises currently facing the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the second ordinary session of the sixth legislature of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Mr. Assoumani noted that Africa must be at the heart of the global dynamics of economic development, especially since the continent is endowed with appropriate natural and human resources and can increase its production and trade both within the continent and with the rest of the world.
Mr. Assoumani said the continent can be one of the world’s largest markets in the coming years, thanks to its natural resources and highly educated youth, adding that Africa has so far the right conditions to promote sustainable socio-economic development.
Similarly, Mr. Assoumani noted the need for African nations to be able to produce and process raw materials locally to avoid stock-outs and product shortages.
Mr Assoumani also welcomed the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has become a continental priority, following the creation of the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD) and the launch of Agenda 2063.
On the agenda of this Parliamentary Forum, which runs from 15 May to 2 June, is the examination of ways to accelerate the implementation of Zlecaf and the holding of the 3rd African Parliamentarians’ Summit on Climate Policy and Equity.
The Pan-African Parliament is a consultative assembly of the African Union, which brings together members of parliament from African Union member countries. It was established under Article 5 of the Constitutive Act of the AU and officially installed on 18 March 2004.