Botswana and Nigeria’s Foreign Ministers called for increased collaboration among African countries to address regional issues during the African Union’s 46th Ordinary Session. They focused on enhancing intra-African trade, utilizing resources effectively, and the importance of leadership reforms within the AU. The ministers expressed hope for fulfilling unimplemented agendas of the continent.
On February 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, the Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria advocated for African nations to enhance collaboration in solving regional issues. They spoke during the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, emphasizing the need for member states to unite around the principle of African solutions for African problems.
Botswana’s International Relations Minister, Phenyo Butale, articulated the necessity for closer cooperation among African countries. He highlighted the importance of initiatives like intra-Africa trade and emphasized that Africa must leverage its rich resources to develop finished goods rather than exporting raw materials.
Butale expressed hope for African leaders to realize the vision of ‘The Africa We Want’ by mobilizing resources and determination to fulfill the unimplemented aspects of the continental agenda. He underscored the aspiration of transforming the collective dreams of African forefathers into tangible realities.
Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, discussed recent AU deliberations and the Permanent Representatives Committee’s findings related to African Union reform. He mentioned the Executive Council’s focus on this year’s theme of reparations, aiming for systematic approaches that benefit African populations.
Tuggar also addressed the need for reforms in global financial structures, particularly within the United Nations and its Security Council. He stressed that unified action by the African Union could amplify efforts for reforms conducive to African interests.
Lastly, Tuggar pointed to the necessity for new leadership in the AU, emphasizing that commissioners and leaders must align with reform recommendations. This ensures that the African Union operates more effectively, utilizing its resources and time efficiently as the summit proceeds.
The discussions led by the Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria reinforce the call for collaborative efforts among African states to address regional challenges. Their insights emphasize the need for intra-African trade, effective leadership within the African Union, and a push for reform in global systems. The outcome of this meeting could significantly impact the realization of the AU’s objectives and the enhancement of Africa’s economic capabilities.
Original Source: www.ena.et
