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Paidamoyo Mutsvairo-Correspondent

Every year on 25 May, Zimbabwe joins the rest of Africa in celebrating Africa Day. In 1963, on the same date, Africa made history with the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) , the precursor to the African Union (AU). 

As such, Africa Day is intended to celebrate and acknowledge the successes of the OAU, now the AU, in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, as well as the progress that Africa has made while reflecting upon the common challenges that the continent faces in a global environment.

The 2022 Africa Day will be commemorated under the theme “From Pandemics to Endemics: Year 3, Public Health, and Covid-19 in Africa.” Thus, this year’s Africa Day celebrations comes at a time when the entire world including the African continent recovers from the negative economic, social and political impact caused by the pandemic. The Covid-19 national lockdowns exacerbated the level of poverty in some developing economies, as businesses were halted in efforts to contain the spread of the virus. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF) website, the Covid-19 caused an economic shock three times worse than the 2008 financial crisis.

The Covid-19 crisis led to the shutting of shops and schools, closing borders and putting half of humanity under some form of lockdown especially in 2020. 

Although cases continue to mount worldwide, with death toll approaching nearly one million, it is pleasing that most African governments managed to contain the disease. However, there is need by African leaders to consider investing in healthcare and pharmaceutical systems as a concrete measure to prepare for any future pandemics or endemics. 

When the Covid-19 emerged in 2020, rich nations made sure that they inoculate their citizens first before selling or donating the vaccines to other nations. Many African countries suffered as they lagged behind on vaccinating their citizens. This also affected the continent’s ability to achieve its herd immunity of vaccinating 60 percent of the population. 

The director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr John Nkengasong once said the world faces “a moral catastrophe” without vaccine equity. 

He further emphasised that no part of the world will be safe until all parts of the world are safe. In that regard, African leaders should do more to improve healthcare facilities in order to avoid too much dependence on international partners. 

 Furthermore, for governments to build the Africa they want and improve the living standards of citizens there is need for unity among leaders to preserve and promote beneficiation and value addition of natural and mineral resources, fight the effects of climate change, illegal sanctions imposed by the West on most countries.

 Given that Africa is endowed with natural and mineral resources, Governments and policy makers should put in place measures that promote the continent’s sustainable economic growth using local resources. 

 During the AU 33rd ordinary session Summit which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2020, African leaders passed a resolution on ‘The impact of sanctions and the unilateral coercive measures,’ on all African Union member States that are victims of the embargoes, including Zimbabwe. 

Relatedly, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) made a declaration that every 25 October should be a day against sanctions across the region, so as to convey a message to the Western community that the illegal sanctions are indeed violating human rights and should be lifted urgently. 

Moreover, there is need for governments to implement tailor made solutions when addressing the issue of climate change. It is worrisome that despite contributing only a minute amount of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent suffers the deleterious effects of climate change to a disproportionate degree. 

Given that agriculture is critical to Africa’s economic growth, climate change could destabilise local markets, increase food insecurity, limit economic growth and increase risk for agriculture sector investors. 

As such, African leaders should be encouraged to speak with one voice when seeking support to address the impact of climate of change. Thus, the biggest carbon emitters, which include China and the US, should have a moral obligation to help African nations to mitigate the impact of climate change.

 The AU should continuously make efforts to “silence the gun” on all member States. The heart of Agenda 2063 entails aspiration of a peaceful and secure Africa. As such, AU should promote peace by helping African countries to tackle any form of insurgency or terrorism. 

However, despite the challenges, the AU has developed a well-oiled machine promoting peace and security. Its initiatives have included developing an institutional design for mediation, political dialogue, early warning systems and peace-support operations.  On the education sector, the continent has made great achievements to bolster access to quality education. High-quality education is the foundation for success and growth.  Many schools were constructed while some are still being built. 

Also, most schools have introduced curriculum that prioritises Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. STEM subjects serve as the fertile ground from which future African technical workers and industry leaders will be nurtured. To add on, most governments including Zimbabwe have introduced Early Childhood Development (ECD) learning process in schools.

Lastly, the AU should be urged to continue playing its central role in uniting, developing and promoting a stable continent. Without unity, development is impossible.

United we stand, Divided we fall!