Africa Day Statement
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) joins the rest of Africa in commemorating the 59th anniversary of Africa Day under the theme ‘Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent : Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Capital Development’
CCC salutes the founding fathers of Africa for establishing the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 to liberate the continent from the yoke of colonialism. The continental body was transformed to the African Union (AU) in 2002 and its mission was re-calibrated in pursuit of the Pan African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
The 2022 AU theme on nutrition is timely given the difficult circumstances that Africa finds itself in as a result of climate change, the Covid 19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine that have led to depressed crop yields and disrupted global food supply chains. The theme offers an opportunity for member states to seriously reflect on the Malabo Commitments and the targets set under the Africa Regional Nutrition Strategy (2016-2025) to end malnutrition in all its forms and improve the food security situation in the continent. Human capital is central to development as it leads to improved quality of life and higher productivity for countries.
We implore African leaders and relevant stakeholders to support the policy agenda on nutrition through concrete measures including investing in continental food self-sufficiency, promoting intra- African trade, enhancing resilience to climate variability and enhancing investment finance in agriculture in order to improve the lives of fellow Africans.
Whilst some positive progress has been made in advancing food security and nutrition in Africa, we note with concern the self-inflicted challenges that exacerbate vulnerability in some countries. Zimbabwe used to be the bread basket of Africa that exported various food crops to other African countries and immensely contributed to the food security of the continent. However, decades of corruption, patronage, political conflicts and bad policies among a number of governance challenges have worsened the food security and nutrition situation.
With astute citizen-centered leadership that is reform minded, these challenges can be tackled in order to improve the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans. In the spirit of African solidarity and oneness as espoused by our African founding fathers, we urge fellow Africans to stand in firm solidarity with such countries that are facing governance challenges in pursuit of the continental vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
We rise or fall together as a continent! One Africa, One Vision!
Happy Africa Day!
Gladys Hlatywayo
Secretary for International Relations
