South Africa Urges CARICOM to Seize Economic Opportunities Under AU’s Agenda 2063
In a compelling call to action, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Grace Naledi Mandisa Pandor, has urged Caribbean Community (CARICOM) States to capitalize on economic opportunities presented by the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063. Dr. Pandor’s remarks came during a lecture delivered at the University of the West Indies, where she emphasized the potential for collaboration between the regions to achieve shared development goals.
Agenda 2063, Africa’s ambitious blueprint for transformation, encapsulates the continent’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development. Dr. Pandor underscored the alignment between Agenda 2063 and the development ambitions of CARICOM states, emphasizing the importance of leveraging this framework for coordinated action.
Referring to CARICOM as the AU’s Sixth Region, Dr. Pandor advocated for the development of a shared agenda to enhance collaboration between the two bodies. She highlighted the significance of establishing sustained cooperation programs, stressing the urgency of addressing mutual development challenges.
Central to Dr. Pandor’s message was the exploration of economic opportunities facilitated by initiatives such as the Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. She expressed South Africa’s commitment to facilitating free trade between CARICOM and African nations, emphasizing the potential for mutual benefit through enhanced engagement.
During her four-day working visit to the island, Dr. Pandor engaged in discussions with government officials and civil society representatives. Her lecture, titled ‘The Road to Development: Connecting the Diaspora, and the Role of CARICOM in the Realization of Agenda 2063,’ underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration to advance shared development objectives.
Dr. Pandor’s call to action resonates with the imperative for global cooperation in addressing pressing economic and developmental challenges. As both regions strive to realize their respective visions for prosperity and progress, collaboration emerges as a cornerstone for achieving collective prosperity and sustainable development.
The visit of Minister Pandor serves as a testament to the growing recognition of the potential for synergy between Africa and the Caribbean. With a shared commitment to leveraging Agenda 2063 as a guiding framework, the stage is set for enhanced collaboration and partnership between CARICOM and the African Union in pursuit of shared prosperity.
