Events
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November 02, 2015
AFRICA LAUNCH OF THE DEVELOPMENT MINERALS PROGRAMME
Africa’s strong economic growth, infrastructure boom, and rapid urbanisation are driving the demand for construction materials, dimension stones, industrial minerals and semi-precious stones. Despite their catorgorisation as low value minerals and materials (LVMM), these natural resources have the potential to boost development through employment creation at the local level for millions people, and to stimulate intra-Africa trade. Conservative estimates indicate that more than 8 million people in Africa are engaged in this sector, with women making up more than 40 percent of the work force. With greater attention, policy support and regulatory oversight, LVMM could play a key role in driving the continent’s inclusive growth agenda.
In this context, the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Group of States, the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have initiated the Development Minerals Programme, a three-year, €13.1 million capacity building programme to support the LVMM sector in 40 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. More than 25 of the participating countries will be in Africa. The programme aims to support the capacity development of key stakeholders in the sector such as regulatory agencies and local governments; private stakeholders including small-scale mining enterprises, construction companies, mining and quarrying associations; as well as training centres, universities, civil society organizations and community groups.
The Development Minerals Programme is aligned with the aspirations of the African Mining Vision (AMV), adopted by African Heads of State in 2009, that seeks to ensure natural resources are used in a sustainable way and for the benefit of all.
What: Africa launch of the “Development Minerals Programme ”
When: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on Monday 9 November 2015
Where: African Union Small Conference Room 2
Who: H.E Tolesa Shagi, Minister of Mines, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
H.E Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the AUC
Ms Treasure Thembisile Maphanga, Director of Trade and Industry, AUC
Maximin Emagna, ACP Secretariat, Brussels
Ambassador Gary Quince, Head of EU Delegation to the AU
Mr Lebogang Motlana, Director of UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa
For interviews and media availability, please contact:
AUC: Patient Acho, AtchoP@africa-union.org, tel. +251 929 335250
UNDP: Eva Hinds, eva.hinds@undp.org, tel. +251 9 2320 7525
On Twitter: Hashtag #amv, #extractives, #developmentminerals and @DevelopmentMin, @_AfricanUnion, @UNDPAfrica, @PressACP, @europeaid @EU_Commission, @UNDPEU
Background:
The Development Minerals Programme is an initiative of African, Caribbean Pacific (ACP) Group of States, coordinated by the ACP Secretariat, financed by the European Commission and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The programme is implemented by UNDP.
More than 25 African countries will be participating in the programme, including: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Earlier launched in Brussels, Belgium in mid-July 2015, the Development Minerals Programme is now being launched in Africa on the occasion of the first regional training workshop on environment, community, health and safety in the low value minerals and materials sector, with the participation of representatives from Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.
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October 14, 2015
Joint Press Release
African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC) participate in the first ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum and Exhibition (ECOMOF)
Accra, Ghana 12 October 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC) attended the first Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mining and Petroleum Forum and Exhibition (ECOMOF) from 6-8 October 2015 under the theme: “Valorising West Africas’s Minerals and Resources through Regional Cooperation”. The objective of the forum is to generate ideas as well as knowledge sharing on how West African countries, endowed with significant mineral resources, can leverage them for sustainable economic development.
The Forum aimed at developing efficient partnerships among all the stakeholders to maximize the potential benefits of the West African countries extractive resources through regional cooperation and partner ECOWAS and host governments to sustain the initiative. It is intended to take place every two (2) years on rotational basis within Member States.
In his opening remarks, the Honorable Minister for Petroleum of Ghana, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah pointed out that the region is blessed with all kind of resources i.e. oil and gas, gold, diamonds, bauxite, manganese, iron ore, limestone, coal, uranium, etc. but recognized that despite undisputed potential there remains the challenge of taking the opportunities to optimally utilize this resource potential. “It is my fervent wish that this meeting will provide foundation blocks that will enable the sub-region construct the needed transformation agenda to deliver national and regional economic development, create employment, and above all, improve the standard of living of the average ECOWAS citizen through value added utilization of our collective resources”, he said. He urged ECOWAS to play a proactive role in ensuring a collaborative delimitation of borders in order to minimize the potential for estate resource related conflicts.
The Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, H.E. Fatima Haram Acyl underscored the fact that the Commission is conscious of the huge contribution that mineral resources through industrialization and regional cooperation can bring towards a transformed Africa, full of hope, as defined by the aspirations of the African people in Agenda 2063. “Africans are determined to strengthen their regional integration and cooperation, trade amongst themselves and with the rest of the world, but this time around in value added and manufactured commodities as opposed to raw commodities. This indeed means Africa is committed to accelerate its industrialization to boost its intra-African trade from the current 12% to at least 22% by 2025. This means creation and development of regional value chains that are linked to the global value chains”, she said. The Commissioner also noted that Africa is not only endowed with natural resources, but also with skilled human resources and indicated that this offers opportunity for Multinational Companies investing in Africa to reduce their operating and production costs by employing more African skilled labor as opposed to expatriates. Commissioner Acyl, finally, informed the forum that the African Union and its partners are working tirelessly to ensure that Member States put in place legal, regulatory, fiscal and governance regimes for Mineral and Extractives industries that will ensure that both the governments and the private sector optimally, benefit from the resources.
In his introductory statement, the President of ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Kadré Désiré Ouédraogo reminded the forum that the first ECOMOF 2015 coincides with the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Economic Community of West African States. He stressed that West Africa possesses vast potential in terms of natural resources which when properly harnessed can enhance the well-being of its people. “I have no doubt that we are all following the future prospects of the oil sector in the region, as well as the actions of the Community and its Member States to promote the diversification from traditionally exploited minerals in the mining sector”, he mentioned. The President of ECOWAS Commission also highlighted the fact that a harmonized regulatory environment is required to facilitate the realization of the optimal benefits from the development efforts of the geo-extractive sector. In this regard, according to the President, ECOWAS intends in the medium term, to formulate a trans-boundary Geo-extractive Development Framework to assist the Community. “ECOMOF in general and ECOMOF 2015 in particular, should be reflecting over our next –steps going forward after 40 years as a Regional Economic Community”, he concluded.
On behalf of the President of Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Honorable Nii Osah Mills, commended the organizers of the forum for their choice of the theme as, he said, it raised the question of how sovereign nations in West Africa can reconcile their local content policies in the mining and petroleum sectors and thereby pursue meaningful regional cooperation. He indicated that Ghana is working very closely with the African Minerals Development Center (AMDC) to indigenize the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) through a Country Mining Vision (CMV). “It is my expectation that the plethora of policies and laws governing the oil and gas sector worldwide would afford countries in the sub-region, which are favorably endowed, the opportunity to learn from history in order to leapfrog in the area of sustainable management of our petroleum resources”, he emphasized. The Minister also pointed out that countries dependent on minerals and hydrocarbons in the ECOWAS sub-region cannot leverage their mineral and petroleum potential to maximize their contribution to sustainable development without adopting the key elements of good governance, including transparency, stakeholder involvement and accountability among other. Finally, he urged the forum to come up with fruitful deliberations and declared the forum open.
In the margins of the forum, on 8 October 2015, the AUC and the AMDC hosted a panel discussion on the draft Africa Mining Vision (AMV) compact with private sector leaders in Africa.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Frank Dixon Mugyenyi, Senior Industry Advisor - Email: MugyenyiF@africa-union.org
Media contacts:
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry – Tel: + 251 929 180 064 - Email: atchop@africa-union.org
Daisy Leoncio, Communications Officer at African Minerals Development Center – Email: dleoncio@uneca.org
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry – Tel: + 251 912 610 485 - Email: atchop@africa-union.org and Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC Tel. +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 14, 2015
Press Release Nº279/2015
ECOMOF 2015: African Union Commission launches the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) Compact during a High Level dialogue with Private Sector Leaders
Accra, Ghana - 12 October 2015: The African Union Commission (AUC) launched the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) Compact during a high level dialogue session with the Private Sector Leaders, in the margins of the 1st Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mining and Petroleum Forum and Exhibition (ECOMOF) on 8 October 2015. The main objective of the AMV Compact that will be developed and concluded in due course between the Private Sector investing in the Mining Sector and AU Member States, is to ensure that the Private Sector operates in a manner that is in line with the Africa Mining Vision that was endorsed by the AU Heads of State and Governments in 2009.
The AMV compact will create a business environment that will be mutually transparent and accountable in order to ensure optimal benefits from the sector accruing to both the governments and the private sector. It should be noted that according to the Thabo Mbeki Report, Africa is losing to the tune of US$50 billion per year through Illicit Financial Flows and majority of this close to 70% is through various malpractices of the Multi-National Companies in the extractive sector. The AMV Compact process is intended to have a meaningful and frank discussions, to highlight the need for collaborative partnerships and continuous dialogue; to seek new and home grown models of doing business, going forward.
In her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, highlighted the fact that the extractives sector is characterized by complex relationships and competing demands, rights, and claims from governments, local communities, civil society on one hand and private companies on the other. She emphasized that it has become essential to build a consensus on what constitutes ‘shared value’ and ‘shared benefits’ and how to secure a social license to operate in the 21st century. The Commissioner acknowledged that African governments have become more assertive in developing long term visions for mineral resources; to increase local content; move up the value chain; and increase inter-sectoral linkages between minerals and non-mineral sectors. “This emerging narrative of a ‘rising’ Africa is underscored by the adoption of several initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063; the Common African Position (CAP) on the post 2015 Development Agenda; and the Africa Mining Vision (AMV). The AMV emphasizes the transformative role that the mining sector plays in the delivery of development in Africa”, she pointed out.
To ensure successful implementation of the AMV, Commissioner Acyl proposed that an explicit agreement between AU member States and private sector leaders in the extractive industries is necessary. “This agreement is to be in the form of an AMV Compact between AU member States and private sector leaders in Africa, fashioned along the same lines of the UN Global Compact. The AMV Compact would draw a set of standards that would serve as a benchmark for companies and governments to assess performance, resulting in robust policies that cover a range of principles” she underscored.
For the dialogue with private sector leaders to be continuous and meaningful, the Commissioner for Trade and Industry indicated that it is crucial to establish an Africa wide network of Chambers of Mines and Mining Associations. “The establishment of such a network would enable an efficient consultation and dialogue process on mineral related issues in Africa between AU constituencies and private sector leaders in Africa” she added.
Before officially launching the AMV Compact, the Commissioner urged the participants to come up with a product that will shape the partnership with the private sector that will contribute to the realization of Africa’s vision as defined by the aspirations of the African people and that inform the Agenda 2063 and the Common African Position on post 2015 development Agenda.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Frank Dixon Mugyenyi, Senior Industry Advisor - Email: MugyenyiF@africa-union.org
Media contacts:
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry – Tel: + 251 929335250 - Email: atchop@africa-union.org and Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC Tel. +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 13, 2015
Press Release Nº276/2015
Commissioner Fatima Haram Acyl, for Trade and Industry participates in the Inaugural U.S. – Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow
New York, United States – 12 October 2015 - The Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union (AU), Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, represented, the Commission on September 29, 2015 in New York in the launch of the U.S.-Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow.
Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce and McKinsey & Company, Inc , the U.S. - Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow, which was chaired by U.S. Under-Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Mr. Stefan Selig, witnessed the participation of their Excellencies Hailemariam Desalegn and Anerood Jugnauth, respectively Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Mauritius, government representatives of Kenya, Mozambique and Cote d’Ivoire and business delegations from African countries and U.S investment firms. In-depth presentations about the investment climate and key infrastructure development projects were made by each African delegation.
In her remarks at the high level segment of the dialogue among heads of delegations and U.S. CEO’s, Commissioner Acyl underscored the importance of convening such an event in order to improve the perception of doing business in Africa, address the obstacles that stand before the enhancement of U.S. investment in the Continent and highlight the tremendous opportunities Africa offers in infrastructure.
Commissioner Acyl indicated that Africa faces an imperative for structural transformation needed to ensure economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs that will improve the wellbeing of our people. She added that the AU is looking for partnerships that can support the continent’s structural transformation, in line with Agenda 2063 and its 10 Year Implementation Plan. In this regards, American institutional investors can be key partners through private sector investments to facilitate innovation and technology transfer.
Highlighting the AU leading efforts to enhance regional economic integration in the continent, Commissioner Acyl underscored that the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area by 2017, one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, will contribute significantly in accelerating growth of intra-Africa trade and use trade more effectively as an engine of development. It will also provide a good incentive to invest and partner in Africa.
Commissioner Acyl also made reference in her intervention to the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Ac till 2025, which will provide certainly and predictability to U.S- Africa economic partnership and ensure that the flow of trade and investment is occurring in a reliable and secure basis.
It is worth mentioning that the Institutional Investor Roadshow concept originated at the 2014 U.S.-Africa Business Forum in recognition of the need many African countries have for long-term, smart, private capital investment to build major infrastructure. In April 2015, President’s Obama Advisory Committee on Doing Business in Africa submitted the Roadshow as an official recommendation to the U.S President as a new pathway to improve doing business in Africa.
The Institutional Investor Roadshow program will include a series of events to be held throughout Africa.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Tarek Ben Youssef, Officer-in-Charge, AU Washington Office - Email: TarekY@africa-union.org
Media contact:
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry – Tel: + 251 912 610 485 - Email: atchop@africa-union.org and Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC Tel. +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 13, 2015
Press Release Nº276/2015
Commissioner Fatima Haram Acyl, for Trade and Industry participates in the Inaugural U.S. – Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow
New York, United States – 12 October 2015 - The Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union (AU), Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, represented, the Commission on September 29, 2015 in New York in the launch of the U.S.-Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow.
Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce and McKinsey & Company, Inc , the U.S. - Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow, which was chaired by U.S. Under-Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Mr. Stefan Selig, witnessed the participation of their Excellencies Hailemariam Desalegn and Anerood Jugnauth, respectively Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Mauritius, government representatives of Kenya, Mozambique and Cote d’Ivoire and business delegations from African countries and U.S investment firms. In-depth presentations about the investment climate and key infrastructure development projects were made by each African delegation.
In her remarks at the high level segment of the dialogue among heads of delegations and U.S. CEO’s, Commissioner Acyl underscored the importance of convening such an event in order to improve the perception of doing business in Africa, address the obstacles that stand before the enhancement of U.S. investment in the Continent and highlight the tremendous opportunities Africa offers in infrastructure.
Commissioner Acyl indicated that Africa faces an imperative for structural transformation needed to ensure economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs that will improve the wellbeing of our people. She added that the AU is looking for partnerships that can support the continent’s structural transformation, in line with Agenda 2063 and its 10 Year Implementation Plan. In this regards, American institutional investors can be key partners through private sector investments to facilitate innovation and technology transfer.
Highlighting the AU leading efforts to enhance regional economic integration in the continent, Commissioner Acyl underscored that the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area by 2017, one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, will contribute significantly in accelerating growth of intra-Africa trade and use trade more effectively as an engine of development. It will also provide a good incentive to invest and partner in Africa.
Commissioner Acyl also made reference in her intervention to the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Ac till 2025, which will provide certainly and predictability to U.S- Africa economic partnership and ensure that the flow of trade and investment is occurring in a reliable and secure basis.
It is worth mentioning that the Institutional Investor Roadshow concept originated at the 2014 U.S.-Africa Business Forum in recognition of the need many African countries have for long-term, smart, private capital investment to build major infrastructure. In April 2015, President’s Obama Advisory Committee on Doing Business in Africa submitted the Roadshow as an official recommendation to the U.S President as a new pathway to improve doing business in Africa.
The Institutional Investor Roadshow program will include a series of events to be held throughout Africa.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Tarek Ben Youssef, Officer-in-Charge, AU Washington Office - Email: TarekY@africa-union.org
Media contact:
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry – Tel: + 251 912 610 485 - Email: atchop@africa-union.org and Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC Tel. +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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Directorate of Information and Communication
Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 13, 2015
Press Release Nº276/2015
Commissioner Fatima Haram Acyl, for Trade and Industry participates in the Inaugural U.S. – Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow
New York, United States – 12 October 2015 - The Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union (AU), Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, represented, the Commission on September 29, 2015 in New York in the launch of the U.S.-Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow.
Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce and McKinsey & Company, Inc , the U.S. - Africa Institutional Investor Roadshow, which was chaired by U.S. Under-Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Mr. Stefan Selig, witnessed the participation of their Excellencies Hailemariam Desalegn and Anerood Jugnauth, respectively Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Mauritius, government representatives of Kenya, Mozambique and Cote d’Ivoire and business delegations from African countries and U.S investment firms. In-depth presentations about the investment climate and key infrastructure development projects were made by each African delegation.
In her remarks at the high level segment of the dialogue among heads of delegations and U.S. CEO’s, Commissioner Acyl underscored the importance of convening such an event in order to improve the perception of doing business in Africa, address the obstacles that stand before the enhancement of U.S. investment in the Continent and highlight the tremendous opportunities Africa offers in infrastructure.
Commissioner Acyl indicated that Africa faces an imperative for structural transformation needed to ensure economic growth and the creation of sustainable jobs that will improve the wellbeing of our people. She added that the AU is looking for partnerships that can support the continent’s structural transformation, in line with Agenda 2063 and its 10 Year Implementation Plan. In this regards, American institutional investors can be key partners through private sector investments to facilitate innovation and technology transfer.
Highlighting the AU leading efforts to enhance regional economic integration in the continent, Commissioner Acyl underscored that the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area by 2017, one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063, will contribute significantly in accelerating growth of intra-Africa trade and use trade more effectively as an engine of development. It will also provide a good incentive to invest and partner in Africa.
Commissioner Acyl also made reference in her intervention to the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Ac till 2025, which will provide certainly and predictability to U.S- Africa economic partnership and ensure that the flow of trade and investment is occurring in a reliable and secure basis.
It is worth mentioning that the Institutional Investor Roadshow concept originated at the 2014 U.S.-Africa Business Forum in recognition of the need many African countries have for long-term, smart, private capital investment to build major infrastructure. In April 2015, President’s Obama Advisory Committee on Doing Business in Africa submitted the Roadshow as an official recommendation to the U.S President as a new pathway to improve doing business in Africa.
The Institutional Investor Roadshow program will include a series of events to be held throughout Africa.
For more information, please contact: Mr. Tarek Ben Youssef, Officer-in-Charge, AU Washington Office - Email: TarekY@africa-union.org
Media contact:
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry – Tel: + 251 912 610 485 - Email: atchop@africa-union.org and Esther Azaa Tankou, Directorate of Information and Communication, AUC Tel. +251 911361185, E-mail: yamboue@africa-union.org
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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Directorate of Information and Communication | Information and Communication | African Union Commission
Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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October 05, 2015 to October 10, 2015
MEDIA ADVISORY
3RD STRATEGIC RETREAT AND VALIDATION WORKSHOP OF THE AFRICAN UNION SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SME) MASTERPLAN 2015-2017
5-10 OCTOBER 2015, NAIROBI, KENYA.What: Opening Cermony of the 3rd Strategic Retreat and the Validation Workshop of the African Union SME Master plan 2015-2017.
Who: Bureau Member States of Industry and Mining , Regional Economic Communities, UN organization and Private Sectors , UN Agencies, Civil Society
When: 5th October 2015
Where: Hilton Hotel, Nairobi , Kenya
Objectives
Strategic RetreatThe retreat will be the opportunity for the Industry Division, the stakeholders and the partners to share their current achievements and their planned Agenda for the coming months. Also, the Bureaux of Senior Officials from Industry and Mining sectors will jointly discuss the preparatory phase of the next year STC ministerial Conference
SME Event
To bring together relevant practitioners with experience and influence in SME Sector, learn from the challenges they face and their achievements in supporting SMEs Development in Africa. In particular, the African UnionCommission (AUC)would like to define the cornerstone from which its intervention to support SMEs Development will be more pertinent. Consequently, the ultimate goal of the workshop is to make practical recommendations on how AUC could promote effectively SMEs Development.
Media representatives are invited to cover the Opening Ceremony .
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
Media Contact
Mrs. Meaza Tezera Meazat@africa-union.org
Mr. Salimou Bamba Bambas@africa-union.orgFollow us
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October 05, 2015
Press Release Nº266/2015
AU Department of Trade and Industry organizes 3rdStakeholders Strategic Retreat in Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya – 05 October 2015. The Semi- Annual 3rd Stakeholders Strategic Retreat organized under the theme of “Financing for Industrial Development, A new ERA was held at the Hilton Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. The meeting was aimed at redefining the strategic pathway towards a better cooperation with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Partners and Stakeholders.
Participants at the meeting discussed regional experiences including challenges with the resources mobilization for the implementation of the Plan of Action of the Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA). In addition, Members of Bureaus of Industry and Minerals met at Senior Officials level with guidance from legal counsel to discuss the institutional and legal implications of the new format of the Specialized Technical Committees within the AU Governance Structure.
In her opening remarks on behalf of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mrs. Treasure Maphanga, Director Trade and Industry of the AUC expressed her gratitude to the Government of Kenya for hosting this meeting. She said “the meeting is being held at critical time when Member States are showing an increasing interest for championing the cause of Africa economic transformation and industrial development”. She further mentioned that “Despite some progress made in some countries and in certain sectors, the industry sector continues to face some challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, lack of well-trained employees, financing issues as well as support institutions that are unable to assume their own mandate”.
The Director of Trade and Industry added that the meeting is very important in terms of sharing information and discuss common responsibilities for the development of continental strategy in the context of Agenda 2063. In her conclusion she emphasized and appreciated the collaboration between MS, RECs and Partners to work together for the development industrialization in Africa.
Addressing participants at the opening session, Mr. Edme KoffI, Chief of Africa Bureau, UNIDO welcomed all participants and said “it is an opportune time to meet here today and to discuss the way forward on the implementation of continental frameworks such as the AU Agenda 2063 and the AIDA that are important for industrial development in Africa”. He also affirmed the support of UNIDO to AUC in implementing AIDA and its future related activities while wishing a successful meeting to the participants.
Mr. Lewell Njehia, Deputy Director of Medium and Large industries from the Ministry of Industrialization and Enterprise Development of Kenya on his part, pointed out the challenges that Africa is facing to achieve economic transformation through an industrialization process. He added that “it is in this light that Kenya supports the implementation of the African Union Action plan for Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA).This is because the AIDA strategy is geared mainly towards promoting production, diversification, creation of jobs opportunities, energy production for industrial development and technology transfer”.
He concluded his speech by reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to Africa’s integration efforts and the entire pan-African Agenda and added that Kenya will continue to work closely with the EAC,COMESA, African Union Commission and the international community towards the industrialization and overall development of the African commitment.
Full speeches are available on:http://ti.au.int/en/
Department contact:
Mr. SalimouBamba, Industry Policy officer,
Email: BambaSA@africa-union.org
Media Contact:Ms. Meaza Tezera
Email:Meazat@africa-union.org
For more information please contact:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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Tel: +251-11-5517700 | Fax: | E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org | Web:www.au.intAddis Ababa | Ethiopia
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September 25, 2015
Press Release N°244/2015
African Union Directors General of Customs discuss Co-ordinated Border Management in order to enhance security and facilitate trade
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – 24 September 2015. The 7th meeting of the African Union Sub-Committee of Directors General (AUSCDGs) of Customs commenced today in Kinshasa under the theme: “Co-ordinated Border Management-Enhancing Security and Facilitating Trade.” The meeting is attended by Directors General from Member States, Representants from Regional Economic Communities (RECs), World Customs Organization (WCO), and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The objectives of the meeting are to carry out an examination of the work done so far by the various Customs Technical Working Groups in addressing the issues in the Trade Facilitation Cluster of the Action Plan on Boosting Intra-African Trade, to exchange views and reflect on the way forward on the theme of the meeting.
The Director of Customs and Excises of Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Déo Rugwiza Magera, welcomed the African Union Directors General of Customs and wished them a wonderful stay in Kinshasa. He recalled the theme of the meeting and admitted that it is in line with the current economical movement of Africa. He pointed out that the efficiency of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) will depend on the Cooperation of the African countries to ensure smooth flow of trade. “It is important to define a common policy and take into account specificities of each country in line with the Bali Agreement. Therefore, the theme of this meeting is in line with Trade Facilitation Agreement signed in Bali and I congratulate the African negotiating group that conducted the negotiations by putting first the benefits of the Agreement for African people”, he stated.
The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, Mr. Kumo Mikurya thanked the Democratic Republic Congo for the warm welcome and expressed the readiness of his Organization to assist and support the country’s initiatives launched in the framework of reform and modernization through human resources capacity building. “It is important to boost African economies through trade and interconnectivity. The World Customs Organization has constantly worked with the Congo Customs to achieve the Single Window initiative. I salute the presence of the Minister of Finance for the Political Will of the Democratic Republic of Congo”, he said.
Representing H.E. Mrs. Fatima Haram Acyl, Commissioner for Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, Mrs. Treasure Maphanga, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry, expressed her gratitude to the authorities of Democratic Republic of Congo for hosting the 7th Ordinary Meeting of the Directors General of Customs and thanked all the Directors General for their attendance.
Mrs. Maphanga recalled the theme of the meeting and indicated that the theme is both timely and relevant as Customs Administrations need to coordinate their activities at borders in order to make them secure and also allow them to be smooth for movement of goods and people across national borders. “For customs Administrations to effectively deliver on this mandate, you need information but, even more so, we recognize you are only one among many other actors in the trade facilitation area. Customs Administrations therefore, need to work even more closely with other agencies and stakeholders who play a role in facilitating trade and movement of persons across borders”, she pointed out. The Director for Trade and Industry explained that 14 African countries have submitted their commitments to the Category A of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement and 3 have already ratified it. The Director also highlighted the fact that despite African progress in economic growth, the progress is not adequate to make up for the lost decades of economic stagnation that preceded the recovery. “What we must bear in our minds is that poverty is not natural, it is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings”, she emphasized. She urged the participants to come up with sound recommendations to steer the continent’s Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration agenda.
In his opening statement, the Minister of Finance of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Henri Yav Mulang thanked the African Union Commission and the audience for the choice of Kinshasa to host the meeting and welcomed all participants in Kinshasa. He explained to the participants that the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) will depend on the Coordination in Borders Management. “The definition of a common Co-ordinated Borders Management is crucial for the elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)” he indicated. He also informed the meeting that the Democratic Republic of Congo has also signed agreements with other African countries for the smooth movement of goods and people. The Minister announced that the Democratic Republic of Congo has now a new bill on Customs that will shortly be submitted to the Parliament for ratification. Finally, he urged the meeting to come up with strong recommendations that will help to increase the Intra-African Trade and change the lives of the African people, and declared the meeting open.
The conclusions of this 7th Meeting will be presented to the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Trade, Industry and Mining, and to other Policy organs of the Union for further consideration and endorsement.
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For further information, please contact:
Mr. Chiza Charles Newton CHIUMYA Email: CHIUMYAC@africa-union.org
Media Contact:
Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Industry, email: atchop@africa-union.org
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September 21, 2015
African Union Customs Experts meet to prepare for the 7th Meeting of Director Generals Customs
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – 21 September 2015. The 7th meeting of the African Union Sub-Committee of Directors General (AUSCDGs) of Customs at Experts’ level commenced today in Kinshasa under the theme: “Co-ordinated Border Management-Enhancing Security and Facilitating Trade.” During the next three days, experts from Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), World Customs Organization (WCO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and World Bank, will examine the work done so far, consider the recommendations of the experts and reflect further on the issue of Coordinated Border Management in order to secure Africa’s borders and Boost Intra-African Trade in preparation for the DG Customs Meeting on Thursday and Friday.
The Chairman of the meeting, Mr. Narcisse Milandou, highlighted the slow customs procedures, poor transport infrastructure, roadblocks and stressed the need to promote intra-African trade for the benefit of the African people. He urged the assembly to continue efforts tirelessly and continue to forge contacts to victory over disorder at borders and corridors. He concluded by asking the experts to be imaginative to present to their principals with pragmatic recommendations.
Mrs. Treasure Thembisile Maphanga, Director of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government and people of DRC for agreeing to host the meeting. She highlighted the relevance of the theme taking into account both regional and global developments. She underscored the low levels of intra African trade due to obsolete infrastructure, inefficient and uncoordinated functions at ports and inaccessible roads, red tape and armed conflicts in some areas which make business in Africa more expensive as compared to other continents. She also underlined the fact that despite robust economic growth on the continent, Africa stills lags behind in terms of competitiveness. “Although both Africa and South East Asia had approximately the same levels of GDP per capita in the 1960s, South East Asia’s GDP per capita has since risen considerably more rapidly than Sub-Saharan Africa. Most worrying is that, Africa is not benefitting from its human capital potential and the entire region is underperforming significantly in various sectors”, she indicated.
Mrs. Maphanga however also pointed out the positive steps being taken by leaders and experts such as the implementation of the Single Windows, Coordinated Border Management and the organization of the first Forum of customs experts on trade facilitation. She referred to the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation that highlights border management as a major component of achieving trade efficiency. She highlighted the fundamental policy direction taken by the AUC towards the actual creation of trade potential by developing a flawless trade facilitation environment through incorporating the Boosting intra-African Trade program in the African Union’s “Agenda 2063”.
In his statement, the Director General of Customs of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Deo Rugwiza Magera, thanked the audience for the choice of Kinshasa to host the meeting and welcomed all participants in Kinshasa. He reminded the participants that during three days, they will have to consider some very important points regarding customs issues given the negotiations that were launched in June 2015 by the African Union Assembly for the establishment of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). According to the Director, issues such as Single Window, Co-ordinated Border Management, Trade Facilitation, Private Sector’s Involvement in the negotiations on the CFTA, use of new Communication Technologies in commercial transactions etc. will be discussed in order to come up with strong recommendations. He then pointed out that all these actions can be performed if there is a good coordination among RECs and Member States. Finally, he declared open the proceedings of the meeting.The Opening Session of the 7th Meeting of the Sub-Committee of Directors General of the African Union at DG’s level, will kick off on 24 September 2015.
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For further information, please contact Mr. Chiza Charles Newton CHIUMYA Email: CHIUMYAC@africa-union.org
Media Contact: Patient Atcho, Department of Trade and Indusry, email: atchop@africa-union.org -
September 09, 2015
Colorful Grand Fair and Bazaar showcasing African culture, fashion and music marks the Celebration of the African Union (AU) Day
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9th September 2015: commemorative activities marking the African Union (AU) Day were organised by the AU Commission on the 9th of September 2015 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Featuring amongst the activities were the African Unity Grand Fair and Bazaar bringing together Member countries of the Union, to showcase the rich African Cultural diversity.
Officially opening the event, the Commissioner for Trade and Industry, Mrs. Fatima Acyl, acknowledged the role played by the founding fathers in the liberation of the continent and recalled that their ideals of Africa’s freedom and independence remain the main principle in the organizational culture of the African Union. Commissioner Acyl highlighted that this day was celebrated within the context of Agenda 2063, the new continental framework aiming to ensure positive socio-economic transformation in Africa. “The African Unity Grand Fair and Bazaar therefore becomes a platform to promote African business in bringing together small businesses in Ethiopia and providing space for them to promote their products and interact”, she underlined.
In his opening remarks, Ethiopian Minister for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Amin AbdulKader, underscored the significance of this Bazaar saying it has many advantages for Ethiopia in Particular and Africa as a whole. “This event can be a great platform to promote our tourism products and services, cultural and natural attractions to various diplomats and potential tourists.it contributes highly to the building of positive image of Africa.” He said
“Africa has much to offer to the rest of the world because the continent has a long history and diverse cultures. The richness of these cultures are expressed through the daily life of the people such as traditional foods and drinks, music among others. This occasion will show us, far more about our beauty of diversity through a medium of culture”. He concluded.Speaking on behalf of the African Union Staff Association, Mrs. Gebremedhin Azeb emphasized on the importance of the event, underlining that it provides opportunity for Staff and the participants to appreciate African Culture, music, unique culinary dishes and products.
The event brought the very best of African Culture in its entirety. This year people sampled the very best of African culture, with various stands specializing in handmade and bespoke goods, including jewelry, African wax prints, African literature, handmade clothing, natural beauty products, health remedies and African artifacts among others. The ongoing African Unity Grand Fair and Bazaar also displays variety of African cooked food. The Bazaar is open to AU staff and Embassies Officials until 12th September 2015.
The African Union Day celebrated every 9th September across the continent, finds its origins in the Sirte Declaration which was adopted on 9th September 1999 to establish the African Union.
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September 07, 2015
Validation Workshop on Air Transport Service in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 07 September 2015. The Validation Workshop for the Report on Air Transport Services in Ethiopia was held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on 7 September 2015. The workshop was organized by the Department of Trade and industry of the African Union Commission, in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The objective of the validation workshop was to bring together various stakeholders in the air transport industry with a view of engaging the relevant stakeholders to review the findings of the draft reports and contribute to the finalization of the report.
Addressing the participants during the opening ceremony, Mr. Atnafseged Kifle, Advisor to the State Minister, Ministry of Transport thanked the African union Commission for organizing the workshop and highlighted that the Ministry of Transport is interested in the findings of the report in light of the importance of Air Transport liberalization in the context of global, continental and domestic aviation and the potential of the sector has for Africa.
Taking the floor, Mr. James Wakiaga representing the UNDP Country Representative extended his appreciation to the African Union Commission for coordinating the workshop and underscored the fact that “UNDP support to the trade project was driven by the imperative of promoting inclusive globalization, and Africa taking its rightful position in global trade and competitiveness. Trade in services has become an emerging opportunity given its significant contribution to GDP in many African countries“. Mr. Wakiaga emphasized the commitment of UNDP to support the AUC and highlighted the availability of the UNDP regional office to support the programmes on boosting intra-African trade.
After welcoming the participants, H.E Mrs. Fatima H Acyl, Commissioner for Trade and Industry, commended the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for the partnership and support in conducting the study on Air Transport Services in Ethiopia. She thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for their commitment and support to promote Africa’s trade and integration Agenda. H.E highlighted some latest research indicating that developing countries are shifting towards services sooner and at a lower level of per capita income than has been the case in the traditional development trajectory”. She underscored, “despite the success stories from Ethiopia, Nigeria and Burkina Faso, there is a big gap between the awareness of government in the public sector and service operators and firms in the private sector, where ‘de facto’ integration in services is happening in many areas”.
The Commissioner pointed out that “ Raising awareness to overcome this ‘perception gap’ in Africa is critical at the continental level as well as at the sub-regional and national levels, where the incorporation of service sector development into mainstream economic planning and development priorities remains lagging”. She wished a successful deliberation and opened the workshop officially. MT
Full speeches are available on:
The workshop was attended by the representatives o;, The Ministry of Transport, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, National Aviation Academy, Abyssinian Flight Institute, International Growth Centre, Travel Agencies, Ethiopia Chamber of Commerce, UNDP and ECA among others..
Media Contact
Meaza Tezera, Department of Trade and Industry, +251912120442, Email: Meazat@africa-union.org .
For More information, please Contact Ms. Carolyne Tumuhimbise, Tumuhimbisec@africa-union.org
For further information:
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@african-union.org | Web Site: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
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