12/12/22

The Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) successfully held the 10th Summit of Heads of State and Government from 6th to 10th December, 2022, in Luanda, Angola, under the theme: “three continents, three oceans, a common destiny: building a resilient and sustainable OACPS.” At this Summit, Zambia’s Republican President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, was represented by Hon Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, Minister of Finance and National Planning.

During the event, the Secretary-General of the OACPS, H.E Mr Georges Rebelo Pinto Chikoti, underlined the critical role of the OACPS and the core agenda of the Summit. The opening ceremony also saw the symbolic handing over of the OACPS presidency from the Republic of Kenya to the Republic of Angola. As part of this formal process, a keynote address was delivered by the Vice President of Kenya, Mr Rigathi Gachagua, as the out-going President of the OACPS Summit. In addition, Mr. Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, addressed the Summit through a Video Message. 

Further, an interactive dialogue with strategic partners was also held, with the aim of bringing together non traditional partners, key bilateral and multilateral development partners, regional organisations and development banks to strengthen their cooperation with members of the OACPS. Notably, the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President, Mr Akinwumi Adesina told delegates that the Group had just completed its 16th replenishment of the AfDB Fund, mobilising about $8.9 Billion to alleviate some challenges that were adversely affecting Africa's low-income countries. He mentioned that the Fund was the highest in the Group’s 50-year history. Similarly, Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth, assured delegates of the Commonwealth’s shared commitment and solidarity in addressing global challenges. She reaffirmed that the Commonwealth was exploring synergies and ways to enhance support to Commonwealth member countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. She also expressed her delight regarding Zimbabwe’s application to rejoin the Commonwealth.

During plenary, the Heads of State and Government discussed the many challenges that OACPS members were experiencing, such as land and ocean degradation, pollution and economic shocks, including those induced by the Covid-19 pandemic, which had worsened the food security situation. In this regard, they recognised the need to strengthen and expand the role, and visibility of the OACPS on the international scene, by revitalising multilateral cooperation through inclusive dialogues and equitable partnerships.

In making an intervention, Hon Musokotwane spoke about the importance of the theme of the Summit and challenged delegates to focus on conversations that would bring about solutions to common challenges. He, therefore, emphasised the need to enhance exchange of ideas and best practices. He also invited OACPS members, as well as development partners, to consider investing in Zambia for mutual benefits.  

Meanwhile, Hon Sibeso K Sefulo, Member of Parliament for Mwandi Consituency, with her Namibian counterpart, Hon Ithete Natangwe, were also in attendance as observers. The duo accompanied the President of the OACPS, Hon Peter Kenilorea Jr, in their capacity as members of the Bureau, the decision making body of the African Caribbean and Pacific -  European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU JPA).

The OACPS Summit is the largest formal and structured organisation of developing countries spread over three continents, residing in unity, solidarity and cultural diversity. It operates within the objectives pursued by the OACPS, as defined in the revised Georgetown agreement, in particular the fight against poverty in member States, ensuring their sustainable development, as well as their integration into the world economy.

For more on the story https://www.verangola.net/va/en/102022/Politics/33161/Luanda-hosts-10th-Summit-of-the-Organization-of-African-Caribbean-and-Pacific-States.htm