Negotiations on global trade, climate change collapsing – Zuma

As African leaders prepare to meet at the AU Headquarters this week to discuss the continent, concern has been expressed over almost collapsed global trade and climate change negotiations, with dire consequences for Africa.

Giving the welcome address at the 25th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee of the AU, Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, the AU Chairperson, highlighting the positive outlook of Africa which is now seen as the continent of the future with enormous possibilities, among other reasons because of the improving business climate, she warned that the continent still has to contend with huge infrastructure backlogs, “backlogs in education, especially higher education, health, including rapid urbanization, youth development and the need for food security,” she said.

“At the same time, it is a matter of concern that negotiations on global trade issues and climate change have almost collapsed, with serious consequences for Africa,” she said.

She therefore called on African countries to remain resolute and determined to overcome these challenges.

Dr. Zuma urged the Representatives to be resolute to the AU’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa by 2063.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia