MONROVIA – Deputy Finance Minister Zamora Wollokollie delivered a keynote address at the European School of Economics, emphasizing the significance of unlocking trade and investment opportunities for sustainable development in Africa. The minister highlighted Africa’s immense potential for trade and investment, considering its abundant resources, vibrant culture, and diverse economies. However, he emphasized that realizing this potential necessitates collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to establish an environment conducive to sustainable development.
By Henry Karmo [email protected]
During his address, the Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that sustainable development transcends mere economic growth. He advocated for a holistic approach that takes into account social, environmental, and governance factors. He stressed the importance of aligning trade and investment policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), stating that integrating these goals into strategies ensures inclusive, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible economic growth. Additionally, he underscored the need to focus on developing robust infrastructure networks, including transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure, as they are critical for facilitating trade and investment.
The minister also emphasized the significance of regional integration in unlocking Africa’s trade potential. He called for African countries to collaborate in developing a comprehensive framework that simplifies trade procedures, harmonizes regulations, and reduces non-tariff barriers. Initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) were highlighted as pivotal for fostering regional economic integration and enhancing Africa’s competitiveness on the global stage. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing human capital development through education and skills training, empowering African youth to thrive in an evolving global economy. Collaboration between universities, businesses, and governments was proposed as a means to facilitate knowledge transfer, technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and the nurturing of the next generation of African leaders.
Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) was identified as another critical aspect of unlocking trade and investment opportunities in Africa. The Deputy Finance Minister suggested that African governments can create an enabling environment for FDI by implementing transparent regulations, upholding the rule of law, and providing incentives for investors. He also highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable investment in crucial sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, and technology.
The Deputy Finance Minister emphasized that sustainable business practices are vital in unlocking trade and investment opportunities in Africa. He called for responsible corporate behavior, ethical supply chains, and environmental stewardship to be integral to every business operating on the continent. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to Africa’s development while safeguarding the environment and promoting social well-being.
Lastly, the minister emphasized the importance of collaboration between African and European governments, businesses, and academia in unlocking trade and investment opportunities. He urged governments to foster an environment of trust and cooperation, promoting dialogue and facilitating partnerships. Universities were encouraged to contribute through research, expertise sharing, and the development of contextualized and innovative programs that address Africa’s specific challenges. Moreover, businesses were called upon to leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to support African entrepreneurs, invest in sustainable projects, and create shared value.
In conclusion, Deputy Finance Minister Zamora Wollokollie’s address highlighted the significance of unlocking trade and investment opportunities for Africa’s sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts, a holistic approach, regional integration, human capital development, attracting FDI, adopting sustainable business practices, and fostering collaboration between African and European stakeholders, Africa can harness its potential and drive sustainable development in the continent.