Algerian Radio
Several African leaders called yesterday, Monday in Brazzaville, during "Africa Day" celebrated on the sidelines of the African Development Bank Annual Meetings, to strengthen the continent's economic sovereignty and accelerate the process of continental integration, particularly in the context of ongoing global geopolitical and economic transformations.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Selma Malika Haddadi, that the African continent has successfully established, through its institutions, mechanisms for financing and comprehensive economic development.
He pointed out that the African Development Bank constitutes "one of the most prominent institutional achievements of African unity," given its contribution to strengthening the continent's economic sovereignty and the ability to finance development using Africa's own resources.
In this context, Mr. Ali Youssouf considered that the African continent, thanks to the support of its financial institutions, is capable of reaching "new horizons of integration and development," adding that Africa continues to strengthen its presence and influence on the international stage, especially following the African Union's acquisition of permanent membership status in the G20.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission also stressed that the continent "continues to advocate for a more just and representative international order," renewing the call for reforming the UN Security Council to correct the "historical injustice" inflicted upon Africa.
For his part, the President of the African Development Bank Group, Sidi Ould Tah, highlighted that the establishment of the African Development Bank came as an extension of the vision of African leaders following the independence of many of the continent's countries, aimed at achieving Africa's economic sovereignty.
Mr. Ould Tah emphasized that Africa possesses immense potential and strategic resources that enable it to strengthen its position in the global economic landscape, calling for enhanced solidarity and integration to face the challenges related to climate, food security, water, and energy.
He also stressed that establishing a "new African financial architecture" constitutes one of the essential solutions to achieving true economic independence for the continent, in a world characterized by growing geopolitical tensions and divisions.
For his part, the current Chairperson of the African Union and President of Burundi, Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, called for strengthening African unity and accelerating the process of continental integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He noted that it represents one of the most prominent levers for promoting intra-African trade, creating jobs, supporting industrialization, and enhancing the continent's economic sovereignty.
For his part, the President of the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, called for strengthening African solidarity and accelerating continental integration, emphasizing that Africa is required today to build a unified economic space based on the free movement of people and goods, as well as the development of major cross-border infrastructure.
In this context, he also highlighted his country's decision to exempt citizens of all African countries from entry visas to the Republic of the Congo, starting January 1, 2027, considering this measure a tangible manifestation of the commitment toward a "unified, prosperous, and sovereign Africa."
The annual meetings of the African Development Bank Group continue until Friday in the Congolese capital, with the participation of more than 3,000 delegates representing 81 member countries of the Bank, including Algeria.
