Mozambique: Africa should “speak with one voice”, says PM

Mozambican Prime Minister Benvinda Levi has called on African countries to “speak with one voice” in international forums since the current international context is marked by geopolitical tensions and disruptions in the global value chains. According to the Prime Minister, who was speaking on Thursday, at the opening a meeting of African Trade Ministers in Maputo, the African continent must strengthen its capacities to lead the construction of a fairer and more development-oriented trading system. “Africa is prepared to lead, negotiate and build a more balanced and development-oriented trading system”, said Levi, who was representing President Daniel Chapo.

“The defense of a predictable, fair, transparent and development-oriented multilateral trading system is no longer an option but a strategic necessity”. Levi believes that trade is a crucial instrument for Africa’s structural transformation, because the continent needs to strengthen its food security and industrialization towards creation of decent jobs and poverty reduction. She said that significant structural challenges persist, although the continent possesses approximately 30 per cent of global mineral reserves and 65 per cent of uncultivated arable land.

“Among these challenges are food insecurity, energy deficits, low levels of intra-African trade, and a strong dependence on the export of raw materials”, she said. Therefore, she explained, the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area is historic as “it represents the continent’s determination to build an integrated and competitive African market, capable of strategically positioning Africa in global value chains.” For his part, the Minister of Economy, Basílio Muhate, said that the current international context demands greater solidarity and cohesion among African countries. “In the current international climate, it is imperative to reinforce the values of solidarity and cohesion.

[paywall]

Our union must present a solid solution, capable of defending our common interests”, he said. Levi added that Mozambique will continue to work in coordination with the African Union to harmonize positions and strengthen the African voice in multilateral negotiations.

[/paywall]