51吃瓜

H.E. Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General, 51吃瓜
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Bazoum, President of Niger, AU Champion for
Industrialization
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to join you to mark the 2023 edition of the Africa Dialogue Series on how to unlock Industrialization through Intra-African Trade" which corresponds to the AU’s theme of the year; “AfCFTA: Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation”.

The annual organization of the African Dialogue Series in collaboration with Office of the Special Advisor on Africa provides an important platform for engagement on African priorities.

It is in the heart of our common engagement enshrined in both the framework of agreements signed by the two organization UN and AU, on peace and security and on development and governance . It is also perfectly in line with Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.

We expect the meeting will generate greater political commitment as well as accelerate the effective implementation of the AfCFTA to fully benefit the African citizenry and achieve the Aspirations and goals of Agenda 2063.

Through the discussions conducted since the beginning of this Dialogue, we gathered to explore new avenues that will pave the way for Africa's industrialization.

Our focus lay on three crucial pillars: boosting trade facilitation and rethinking the foundations of Africa's export diversification, recognizing the growing middle class, and the importance of continental import substitution in unlocking the potential of "Made in Africa" as well as the great potential of digital service trade.

The first pillar, boosting trade facilitation, is essential in realizing Africa's vast potential as a major player in the global market. We must strive to simplify and harmonize trade processes, reduce non-tariff barriers, and invest in modernizing infrastructure and transportation networks.

Furthermore, we need to rethink the foundations of Africa's export diversification. While our continent is rich in resources, we must move beyond traditional commodity-based economies. Africa possesses a huge wealth in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services. We must invest in research and development, innovation, and skills training to promote value addition and the production of high-quality goods and services. By diversifying our export base, we can reduce dependency, foster sustainable growth, create jobs for our burgeoning youth population and to hundred millions of women.

Equally important is the recognition of the growing middle class. The rise of Africa's middle class presents a tremendous opportunity for our own industries to flourish. We must prioritize the development of competitive African businesses that can cater to the demands and preferences of our own consumers. By connecting the dots between the growing middle class and the "Made in Africa" movement, we can drive economic growth, reduce import dependency, and elevate our continent's standing in the global marketplace.

The last but not the least, I want to emphasize the great potential of digital service trade, which is today’s specific topic. In the age of technological advancement, digital services hold enormous promise for Africa's economic transformation. These services have the potential to create millions of jobs, boost productivity, and increase access to essential services for African citizens as well as to give African businesses the opportunity to connect with new customers and expand their reach both within and outside the continent.

However, to fully leverage this potential, urgent attention must be given to the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks. We must create an environment that encourages innovation, protects intellectual property, and ensures data privacy and security enabling Africa to participate fully in the global digital economy. 

The African Union is committed to working with its member states to create a regulatory environment that is conducive to digital service trade, notably through the elaboration of the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020-2030) to help the continent in building its Digital Single Market by 2030.

Finally, the path to unlocking industrialization through intra-African trade is paved with immense opportunities and challenges. Together, let us embrace these challenges, harness the potential of our diverse continent, and work towards a future where Africa's industries thrive, our middle-class flourishes, and our digital services transform lives.

In conclusion, I wish to express my deep gratitude to all the participants for their unwavering commitment to Africa's development. Your continued support and collaboration are vital in our pursuit of a prosperous Africa, driven by inclusive growth and sustainable industrialization.

Africa will never forget your devotion and sacrifices for its prosperity.

Thank you and may the Africa Dialogue Series 2023 be a resounding success.