By The Respondent Reporter
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to advancing the Africa Agenda 2063 through strategic investments in key sectors such as transport infrastructure, energy, agriculture, industry, ICT, environmental conservation, and human resource development.
Dr. Mpango made these remarks while representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 42nd Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the Governing Board of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA – NEPAD), held online and chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
He emphasized the need for African countries to enhance domestic revenue sources by effectively utilizing national resources like minerals and partnering with the private sector to bridge the funding gap for projects aimed at achieving Agenda 2063.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of leveraging digital development opportunities, improving access to digital infrastructure, fostering inclusive e-commerce, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Dr. Mpango also addressed the impact of conflicts and wars in some African regions, calling for unity among African nations to ensure peace and stability, which is vital for the successful implementation of the Africa Agenda 2063.
He further highlighted the urgent need for Africa to prioritize building resilience against climate change, which will require sustainable funding to combat and adapt to its effects.
The Vice President also underscored the significance of investment in technology, including artificial intelligence, and harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power.
He called for greater support for Tanzania's clean cooking energy initiative, introduced by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He reaffirmed Tanzania's dedication to the Dar es Salaam Energy Resolution, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million people across Africa.
The meeting also reviewed AUDA-NEPAD's performance in 2024, acknowledging its successes and challenges. Notably, the summit endorsed the creation of a NEPAD fund to address the funding gap for development projects and secure reliable income sources for sustainable growth.