The Acting Dean of African Ambassadors in Zimbabwe and also Rwanda Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni says Africa can be transformed into an economic powerhouse through working together with effective partnerships.

He said this while leading fellow African envoys accredited to Zimbabwe in an event to celebrate Africa Day, which was held on Friday May 27 in Harare. 

“We can achieve all the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that the needs of our continent are fully realized,” Musoni said.

“Africa has so much potential. It has both the human and natural resources to secure a brighter future through contribution to the realization of the Africa we want as per African Union’s vision of Agenda 2063.”

He said there is a need for Africa to work towards ensuring food security in line with the theme of this year’s Africa Day.

“This year’s commemoration is unique because the theme is focused on what has remained the biggest elephant in the room on the African continent – “malnutrition and food insecurity,” Musoni said.

“The theme ‘Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent’ is befitting especially when we consider that about 346 million people in Africa are facing severe food insecurity with a big number comprising children, who, as a result, are experiencing stunted growth due to malnutrition. Stunting prevents children from developing to their full potential mentally and physically, and it is largely irreversible.”

He added: “In addition to existing malnutrition challenges, the global pandemic of Covid-19 has greatly exposed the economic vulnerability of African countries and the weaknesses of their health and food systems.”

Musoni said the significance of celebrating the Africa Day was to reflect on the close relationship that existed between Africans for centuries before colonial time, appreciate efforts and sacrifices of the pan Africanists who fought for Independence such as King Rudahigwa of Rwanda and others who lost their lives in pursuit of the freedom of Africa and to assess the prevailing challenges that need a unified action.   

“For instance, through support of nations that had got their independence earlier Zimbabwe got her independence in 1980. As you are aware, Zimbabwe's struggle was tough but through the sacrifice of Zimbabwean sons and daughters as well as support from other African countries, Zimbabwe dreams came true.”

Quoting President Paul Kagame, Ambassador Musoni said: “He [President Kagame] said people talk about African solutions for African problems. That is true, but the slogan doesn’t mean that we don’t need other people. It just means we start with what we are able to do for ourselves and then partner with the rest of the world” end of quote.”

The 59th commemorations of Africa Day were attended by Zimbabwe’s government ministers, officials and ambassadors from African countries and beyond.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com