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Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Representatives of Think Tanks and Research Institutions, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is a great honour to join you today at the 11th Africa Think Tank Summit, a gathering that has, over the years, become a symbol of Africa’s intellectual and policy courage. On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the entire Commission, I warmly welcome you to Addis Ababa, the political and diplomatic heart of our continent.

Distinguished guests, representatives of the Pan-African Youth Union, ladies and gentlemen,

Today marks a historic step in our collective journey to place Africa’s young people at the very heart of our continent’s development. The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is not just a procedural formality, it is a solemn commitment by the African Union Commission to stand side by side with the Pan African Youth Union in advancing the aspirations, rights, and leadership of Africa’s youth.

HON. ENOCH GODONGWA-NA, MINISTER FOR FINANCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA,

HON. NEAL RIJKENBERG, CHAIR OF THE STC BUREAU & MINISTER FOR FINANCE OF THE KINGDOM OF ESWATINI,

HONOURABLE MINISTERS OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC PLANNING AND INTEGRATION, AND HEALTH,

MY DEAR SISTER, EXCELLENCY FRANCISCA BELOBE, COMMISSIONER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, TRADE, TOURISM, INDUSTRY AND MINERALS,

EXCELLENCIES, DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS, DELEGATES,

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

Honourable Ministers, Distinguished Delegates, Excellencies,

I am honoured to address you at this critical session on Health Financing. Health is the cornerstone of Africa’s development—driving productivity, resilience, and inclusive growth. Yet financing for health remains fragile, fragmented, and too often impeded by volatility and out-of-pocket burdens. Today, I present a focused, implementable path for strengthening health financing across our continent, anchored in ATIDI’s instruments and collaborative action with AU member states and our wider alliance.

Excellencies,
Honourable Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It is my honour to address this 8th Session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Finance, Monetary Affairs, Economic Planning and Integration, a key organ of our Union entrusted with advancing the continent’s economic integration, strengthening macroeconomic stability and shaping policies that drive sustainable development across Africa. I would like to thank the AUC for successfully convening this important session.