a pathway to prosperity for its people,
especially the youth. He further said that
elsewhere, this has been achieved through
industrialisation. But the growth trajectory
that transformed Asia is not necessarily a
viable option for Africa, simply because the
continent waited too long to act. He added
that technology has evolved so rapidly in
recent years that Africa’s window to follow
that strategy is narrowing much more rapidly
than previously understood. “We are running
out of time, and we must act now to save
Africa from permanent deprivation.”
According to the new Chairman of the
Union, scale is essential. “We must create
a single continental market, integrate our
infrastructure, and infuse our economies
with technology. No country or region can
manage on its own. We have to be functional,
and we have to stay together. The fi nancial
and institutional reform of the African Union
derives all of its urgency from these realities.
Fortunately, Africa has assets and strengths to
build on, starting with this organisation, and
its tangible commitment to unity.”
This, he said, is an advantage, which no
other region of the world possesses, in such
abundance. “Unity must be our starting point,
as we do the necessary work of re-defi ning
our plans and ambitions, in the continental
term. These changes need to happen. There
is no country on our continent that does not
want to be part of a more assertive and visible
Africa”.
President Kagame further said that the
programmes, policies, and priorities of the
African Union contain the right tools for the
job. “I wish to pay tribute to previous leaders
of the African Union, and to former Heads
of State, for paving the way forward”. He
added that there is tremendous value in the
African Union’s fl agship initiatives, such as
Agenda 2063.
“Because of their foresight, we are in a
position to adopt three historic agreements,
that are of the highest importance for building
Africa’s wealth, from within. Today, we
will launch the Single African Air Transport
Market. This is a major step forward for
transportation. We are nearly ready to adopt
the Continental Free Trade Area; it really
needs to be done this year. Freedom of
movement for people in Africa is equally
important, and it is achievable in 2018,”
emphasised the new Chair of the Union. He
added that “by committing to breaking down
these barriers, we will send a tremendous
signal in Africa and beyond, that it is no
longer business as usual. Our people deserve
a brighter future. Their sacrifi ce and hard
work should be rewarded with better lives
for families and communities”.
“We are thankful to the Heads of State,
who champion important themes and
priorities of the Union at every Summit. I
wish to commend the efforts of the African
Union’s professional staff, which often goes
unheralded.” President Paul Kagame was
optimistic that soon enough, the Union will
also have the funds to support the African
prosperity agenda. He announced that the levy
on eligible imports is being implemented, the
Golden Rules were recently approved by the
Finance Ministers, and that the Union has a
more credible budget process in place.
He closed his message by addressing the
young people of Africa. “Elders should be
able to enjoy the pleasure of telling you how
hard they had it at your age so you don’t take
things for granted, and are inspired to work
even harder. Our job is to make sure that
every generation in Africa enjoys a better
life than the previous one. Young Africans
are also professional men and women, and
you have a full role to play. We cannot
build Africa without you,” he underlined.
For women especially, he said, “we need to
unreservedly accord them their full rights
and roles.”
Africa needs a new direction, and President
Paul Kagame represents a leader willing to
chart a course on issues of economic growth.
Rwandans and Africans will look back to the
day President Paul Kagame took the decision
to lead Rwanda as a landmark and a defi ning
moment in their history.
President Paul
Kagame underlined
that Africa’s
defi ning challenge is
to create a pathway
to prosperity
for our people,
especially the
young people. He
said, elsewhere,
this has been
achieved through
industrialisation.
Reference: African Union
2018 • RWANDA • 7