Mudavadi pushes for Africa's financial independence in AU reforms meeting

By Robert Mutasi

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reiterated the urgent need for Africa to take charge of its finances towards driving the development agenda of the African Union.

Mudavadi, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, took to his verified social media accounts to detail his recent engagements with H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD.

The meeting was based on his mandate to drive AU reforms, given to him during the 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in February 2024.

Mudavadi emphasized the key role at play in reducing the dependence of Africa on external funding for its programmatic budget, currently over 60% dependent.

"This dependence creates an imperative, which is that Africa must take the first step toward financial self-sufficiency, a position that will enable the continent to determine its destiny without overdependence on external forces," Mudavadi said.

To this end, he reiterated the need for operationalizing the 0.2% levy on eligible imports, which has been advanced as a sustainable mechanism for financing key AU activities.

If fully implemented, the levy is expected to increase the financial independence of the AU and decrease reliance on overseas partners.

Mudavadi and Mrs. Bekele-Thomas voiced concerns over the inadequate resources that have kept AU organs, including AUDA-NEPAD, under constraint.

They noted that such limitations have impacted the fruitful execution of ambitious goals at AU.

Another important matter discussed was the stagnation in the implementation process of the report on SACA.

Since its adoption in February 2020, the report has faced challenges that continue to impede progress.

Mudavadi and Mrs. Bekele-Thomas assured a plan of action towards practical solutions to ensure successful execution of these recommendations that will help enhance the competency and efficiency of AU staff.

As Africa grapples with numerous socio-economic challenges, Mudavadi’s push for financial independence and institutional reforms is seen as a step towards strengthening the AU’s capacity to lead the continent's transformation agenda.

His call to action aligns with the broader vision of a self-sufficient and unified Africa, capable of determining its path without external influence.

The meeting closed with the shared resolve to further the collaboration on reform priorities and hasten the implementation of sustainable solutions for the growth and self-determination of Africa.