Statement By H.E. Dr. Maxwell M. Mkwezalamba
Commissioner For Economic Affairs
African Union

At The
Closing Of The Experts’ Meeting Of The Sixth Joint Annual Meetings Of The Au Conference Of Ministers Of Economy And Finance And The Eca Conference Of African Ministers Of Finance, Planning And Economic Development

24 March 2013
Abidjan, Côte D’ivoire

Excellence M. Abdallah Hamdok, Secrétaire exécutive adjoint de la Commission économique pour l’Afrique,

Professeur Lambert Bamba, Président du Bureau du Comité des Experts,

Honorables Représentants des Communautés Economiques régionales, des organisations régionales et africaines, des banques centrales africaines et des institutions internationales,

Honorables délégués, Mesdames et Messieurs,

1. Je voudrais, au terme de cette Sixième Conférence des Ministres de l’Economie et des Finances de l’Union Africaine et de la Conférence des Ministres africains des Finances, de la Planification et du Développement économique de la Commission économique pour l’Afrique, vous adresser mes chaleureuses félicitations pour la qualité du travail accompli et la pertinence des propositions faites pour, enfin, permettre à l’Afrique de réussir son programme d’industrialisation.

2. Comme vous le savez, le faible niveau d’industrialisation du continent constitue un des principaux obstacles au développement économique et social du continent africain. Il était par conséquent temps, je dirais même indispensable, de revisiter notre programme d’industrialisation. Les échanges et résolutions prises à l’issue de cette conférence s’inscrivent dans cette dynamique.

Honorable Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. The meeting of the Committee of Experts had interesting and important issues to deliberate on, as usual. In particular, I wish to point out the discussion on the Millennium Development Goals and the post-2015 development agenda, which is an on-going global debate at the moment. Evidence shows that Africa is not in a position to attain all the MDGs by 2015. The 2013 Africa MDGs Report that was presented to the meeting of the Committee of Experts, like previous Reports, shows that Africa has made limited progress in attaining some very crucial targets , including child and maternal health, and provision of safe drinking water and sanitation facilities.

2. It is in recognition of the likelihood that Africa will not attain all the MDGs by the target date of 2015 that consultations have been undertaken with African stakeholders to identify Africa’s priorities for the post-2015 development agenda. The outcome document from the consultations was shared with the Committee of Experts and a draft African common position on the post-2015 development agenda will be presented to Ministers for approval before submission for adoption by the AU Summit in May 2013.

3. The African common position should serve as a reference document for the African voice in the crafting of a post-2015 development agenda. This position will feed into the global process that is currently underway through a High Level Panel on the post-2015 development agenda that was set up by the United Nations Secretary General. It is, therefore, imperative for us to ensure that the consultations that were undertaken in Africa are reflected in the global outcome document of the High Level Panel through an African common position. I wish also to agree with the meeting that we define goals, targets and indicators for the post 2015 development agenda that reflect Africa’s priorities.

4. The debate on the theme of the Conference was intense and the Committee came up with some concrete recommendations that, if implemented, will lead to the accelerated industrialization of Africa. It is gratifying to note that the Committee of Experts acknowledged the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa Action Plan as central to the industrial development of African countries. I am convinced that implementation of the Action Plan will ensure coordination of industrial policies and help accelerate implementation of our regional and continental priorities.

5. Some key issues were raised that were deemed pertinent for industrialization and value addition. One was the need for countries to promote technological innovation through research and development. Another was the need for adequate resources to finance the industrialization process, and that requires massive resources mobilization. The issue of financing leads me to highlight the importance of finalizing the issue of Alternative Sources of financing the African Union as soon as possible.

6. Other issues that have been on the agenda for several years which require finalization are the establishment of a Pan-African Stock Exchange and the African Monetary Fund. The Commission wishes to call upon to Member States to provide their comments at their earliest opportunity.

7. I would also urge the member states to sign and ratify the African Charter on Statistics. As of today, 27 countries have signed whereas only 8 have ratified the Charter. I would also like to call upon Member States to allocate adequate resources to National Statistics Offices for the production of quality statistics in the framework of the Strategy for the Harmonization of Statistics in Africa (ShaSA).

Honorables délégués, Mesdames et Messieurs,

8. Pour terminer mon propos, je voudrais remercier les équipes de la Commission de l’Union Africaine, de la CEA et du Comité National d’organisation pour les efforts appréciables consentis dans l’organisation de cette conférence. Mes remerciements vont également aux interprètes pour l’excellent travail abattu, et tous les délégués pour leurs remarques et contributions constructives.

9. Enfin, je voudrais vous adresser à vous, Monsieur Président du Bureau du Comité des Experts, mes sincères félicitations pour avoir dirigé avec efficacité nos débats. Vous méritez notre reconnaissance et tout notre soutien.

10. As I am attending my last meeting in my capacity as Commissioner for Economic Affairs, I wish to call for your support – invite you to support my successor, Dr. Anthony Masuping of Lesotho.

11. Honorables délégués, Mesdames et Messieurs, je vous remercie de votre attention.