NIAMY-(MaraviPost)-Minister of Trade and Industry for Malawi Mark Katsonga Phiri, has hailed the AU Extraordinary Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification as vital in the realization of Africa’s potential to utilise the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
Katsonga attended the summit in Niamy- Niger where he also represented the Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera.
“We need to be aggressive in doing our things to prosper. Heads of state or their representatives have gathered here in Neger to brainstorm on issues of Industrialization and Economic growth of the African countries not for nothing.
“They are not here for a holiday, and something must be done for Africa including Malawi to grow economically,” Katsonga added.
After attending the main summit and several side meetings, Malawi minister of trade and Industry Mark Katsonga Phiri said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a gateway to prosperity if fully implemented.
Katsonga observed that Malawi president Chakwera has a vision for the country but what is needed now is the aggression to work together in realising national aspirations which he said it is possible.
The Minister also had time to meet counterparts from Mozambique where they discussed progress on One Stop boarder Post (OSBP) on the Mozambique side like at Dedza and Mwanza Boarders.
They also discussed ways of improving trade between ADMARC and Mozambique Grain Institute known as ICM.
He also met the Moroccan minister of Industry and trade Mr Ryad Mezzour on proposed exchange visits of business people for proper insights and the Moroccan side has shown interest.
Different speakers at the summit including Rwanda present Paul Kagame, who sat in for the Chairperson for the African Union, Mohamed Mazoum, President of Niger also emphasised the need for African countries to join hands in pushing the continental development agenda which they observed relies on Trade and Industry.
Katsonga also met the Zambian minister of trade and Commerce on the opening of the Mchinji One Stop Boarder Post, by the two heads of State.
On Industrial development and quality infrastructure, minister Katsonga met with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to follow up on the request for Malawi’s quality infrastructure program.
The Director General has committed to respond as soon as possible for Malawi’s benefit.
