Naledi Pandor: Economic infrastructure should be Africa's investment priority

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, emphasized the critical importance of investing in economic infrastructure for Africa's sustainable growth during a recent interview with CNBC Africa's Julius Bizimungu at the AU-EU Ministerial meeting in Kigali. Pandor highlighted the necessity of building essential infrastructure such as roads, railways, telecommunication systems, and airways to facilitate economic development on the continent. The discussions at the summit focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between the African Union and the European Union to ensure that development initiatives align with the objectives of Agenda 2063 and promote economic transformation in Africa. Pandor expressed her concern about the need to harmonize the agendas of both organizations to achieve the desired outcomes effectively. She stressed the importance of creating opportunities for African youth within the continent to prevent migration driven by a lack of prospects. Pandor advocated for re-industrialization and the localization of productive resources in Africa to provide viable options for the burgeoning young population. One of the key issues discussed during the interview was vaccine nationalism. Pandor criticized the hoarding of vaccines by wealthy nations, emphasizing the importance of equitable access to vaccines for all countries, particularly in Africa. She underscored Africa's determination to produce its vaccines and reduce dependence on external sources. Pandor commended countries like Senegal, Rwanda, and Egypt for their efforts in vaccine production and called for increased investment in research and innovation across the continent. In addressing the challenges hindering the advancement of vaccine production in Africa, Pandor stressed the need to prioritize science and technology to foster self-sufficiency and innovation. She urged governments to invest in building strong science institutions and promoting indigenous solutions to enhance Africa's position in the global arena. Moreover, Pandor emphasized the significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and highlighted the need to translate discussions into tangible actions. She identified logistics and economic infrastructure as key factors in the successful implementation of the AfCFTA, citing the importance of efficient transportation networks, ports, and telecommunications systems to facilitate intracontinental trade. Pandor called for collaborative efforts with international partners, such as the EU, to develop and improve infrastructure that supports free trade and economic integration across Africa. As Africa strives towards economic prosperity and sustainable development, the focus on enhancing economic infrastructure and fostering partnerships with global stakeholders remains crucial. Pandor's insights underscore the urgency of investing in key sectors to build a more resilient and self-reliant African economy.