By Kuda Mugari in NIAMEY, Niger
The African Union (AU) has underscored the need for its member states to ensure that the continent plays a significant role in world affairs by employing the right strategies to finance its own development and reduce aid dependency through the establishment of continental financial institutions.
This was said by AU commissioner for economic affairs Professor Victor Harrison during the 12th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly yesterday.
For too long, the AU body has been criticized for being toothless in grinding African issues since it depends on donor funding from Western countries and other well-wishers who are pushing their own agendas. Prof Harrison said in order for the continent to achieve its Vision 2063, it must become a strong, united, resilient and influential global player, adding that the establishment of AU financial institutions — now at advantaged stage — is the only instrument in fighting the dependency syndrome. Read more…
