Setipa launches first 100 days manifesto

Former Lesotho Trade Minister Joshua Setipa is leading the charge to become the 7th Secretary General of the Commonwealth, vying to be the first African to hold the position since the 1990s. Setipa has garnered significant support from the Lesotho Government, making history as the first candidate from the country to receive such backing for the role. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Setipa outlined his vision for the Commonwealth and why he believes he is the most qualified candidate for the position. With Ghana and the Gambia also fielding candidates from Africa, Setipa emphasized the importance of regional rotation, asserting that it is Africa's turn to lead the Commonwealth. He highlighted the endorsement of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a significant backing that bolsters his candidacy. Setipa's platform focuses on championing small states within the Commonwealth, acknowledging the unique challenges they face and advocating for their support. Central to his priorities is addressing the climate crisis, particularly in vulnerable nations such as those in the Pacific that are at the forefront of climate-induced disasters. Setipa intends to scale up efforts to facilitate access to climate finance for member states, emphasizing the Commonwealth's role in supporting countries to develop national plans to mitigate the impact of climate change. Additionally, he aims to address pressing issues such as debt management, rising living costs, and security threats, underscoring the Commonwealth's tradition of providing assistance to member states. Setipa also stressed the need for a reform of the international financial architecture to better support countries grappling with high debt levels. The Commonwealth, he asserted, would continue to advocate for a more equitable system that reflects the current global realities. In the face of increasing global fragmentation, Setipa highlighted the importance of multilateralism, emphasizing that platforms like the Commonwealth provide smaller nations a voice and a space to address complex issues on an equal footing. He underscored the Commonwealth's unique position as a forum where countries of varying sizes can come together to discuss and collaborate on shared challenges. Setipa's candidacy represents a push for greater inclusivity and support for small states within the Commonwealth, aligning with his commitment to advocating for the interests of all member nations. As the race for the Secretary General intensifies, Setipa's platform stands out for its focus on addressing pressing issues faced by Commonwealth countries and championing solidarity and cooperation within the organization.