wfn.org | Archbishop urges economic union of African states

[Theo Coggin]

Tel: +2711-487-0026
e-mail: coggin@sn.apc

Consideration must be given to the creation of an Economic Union of
African States to ensure growth and development for the greatest number
of people on the continent.

This was the message from the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, the Most
Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane, at the launch of Jubilee 2000’s Africa
campaign today (Thursday 16 April) in Accra, Ghana.  The campaign is
aimed at the cancellation of the international debt of developing
countries and to address the imbalance in the economic affairs of
nations.

Delivering the keynote address today, Archbishop Ndungane said it was
time 'for the giant of Africa to wake up from its deep sleep and to take
its rightful place in the world.  We are a people and a continent with a
rich heritage, the cradle of humanity,' he said.

Pointing to the success of the European Union, which had started out as
an economic union, the Archbishop said it was urgent that there should
be a meeting of minds to further the aspirations of Africans.  Political
leaders should look beyond bilateral or regional economic agreements, to
more ambitious ones.

According to Archbishop Ndungane, an Economic Union of African States 
would ensure, inter alia,  that:  
•	Africa would never again be marginalised, thereby becoming the begging
bowl of the world;
•	Africa’s resources would never again be exploited;
•	Africa would not become the dumping ground for  environmentally
repugnant refuse, such as nuclear waste; and
•	Conditions exist for attracting investment capital from all	parts of
the 	globe into the continent of Africa.

'Now is the time for the countries of this continent to settle down to a
period of sustained and invigorating growth  -  economic and social
growth that will trigger development world wide.  It is most encouraging
to note that a recent study by the Economic Intelligence Unit reckons
that five of the world’s 20 fastest growing economies are in Africa. 
That is remarkable and we need to build on this,' Archbishop Ndungane
said.  

He added that to do so successfully, 'governments must recognise that
with freedom comes responsibility.  Thus, any freedom from debt must be
accompanied by a commitment to ensure that people benefit from the
advantages that will follow'.

An Economic Union of African States would bring the continent closer
towards economic independence, while providing 'the opportunity to
negotiate with more muscle and realistically with the developed and
industrialised world,' he said. 

Archbishop Ndungane said that Africa had to play a pivotal role in
influencing the next millennium.  To do so, it had to 'be freed from the
last shackles of oppression that is holding it back  -  the yoke of
international debt'.