{{African leaders from various disciplines met in Dar es Salaam last week to discuss obstacles and achievements of the continent’s economic integration.}}
The leaders opined that economic integration was an opportunity rather than a threat.
“We looked at the whole philosophy of economic integration; we discussed the achievements and implementations of the Maputo Declaration as well as the implementation of the new Economic Partnership for Africa Development,” said former President Benjamin Mkapa.
He added, “We were discussing the pace of economic integration on the continent because we believe it is a major drive for economic development. It was an informal dialogue and I can’t give more details of an informal meeting because I am not the spokesperson of the group.”
The meeting brought together six former heads of states and government of Botswana, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, andSouth Africa. They were Mr Mkapa, Mr Joacquim Chissano, Mr Thabo Mbeki, Mr Festus Mogae, Gen (rtd) Olusegun Obasanjo and Mr Pedro Pires.
Africa Development Bank president Donald Kaberuka and 40 other prominent people who included former civil servants, CEOs and academics were invited to the event.
Mandela Institute for Development Studies president and chairman Nkosana Moyo said, “The discussed issues can help participants to make decisions in their institutions that can help to foster economic integration.
They may also like to give their assessment to the African Union for policy formulation and actions.”
NMG
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