Source: ‘African solutions to African problems’ – herald
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
African institutions of higher learning, research centres and innovators should continue to develop homegrown solutions that respond to Africa’s unique challenges, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his Africa Day commemorative statement, the President said the continent’s future depended on Africans’ ability to harness their knowledge, resources and ingenuity, in line with the philosophy “African solutions to African problems”.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure development, water security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic empowerment through transformative national projects.
“These include the Chirundu Water Supply and Sanitation Project Phase One, being implemented by ZINWA.
“The Glassblock Bopoma Dam and Pipeline Project is aimed at improving water supply to Bulawayo City and surrounding areas,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Africa Day was not only a celebration of the continent’s liberation, culture, dignity and identity, but also an opportunity to reflect on Africa’s collective journey towards achieving “The Africa We Want’’, as envisioned in Agenda 2063.
“Today, as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the African Continent in commemorating Africa Day, I extend warm revolutionary greetings and solidarity to all our brothers and sisters within our borders and beyond.
“This day remains a historic as well as constant reminder of the bravery, courage, unity, and determination of Founding Fathers of the Organisation of African Unity, now African Union.
“They laid a foundation for a free, united peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa,” he said.
Observed in various African countries and beyond, Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963.
The Organisation was succeeded by the African union (AU) on July 9, 2002, but the holiday continues to be celebrated on May 25.
This year’s celebrations are being held under the theme; “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063”, which President Mnangagwa said was both timely and critical to the future of the continent.
“Water is an essential resource and the lifeblood of our continent’s development aspirations.
“From the mighty Nile River to the Zambezi River, from Lake Kariba and Lake Victoria to the aquifers beneath the Kalahari and Sahara Deserts, water has shaped our civilisations, sustained our peoples.
“It shall continue to determine our future.
“Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is a basic human need for health and well-being,” he said.
Additionally, President Mnangagwa said water remained a critical ingredient to Africa’s quest for industrialisation, job creation and overall economic growth.
He, however, noted that water demand was rising owing to rapid population growth, urbanisation, and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and the energy sectors.
“It is now urgent that the requisite investments be made towards enhancing national and regional availability of water resources.
“This requires the adoption of innovative solutions, collective responsibility and partnerships at all levels.
“The active participation of communities, private sector, development partners, research institutions, youth, and women should, therefore, be scaled up,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said innovation, science, and technology must become central pillars that support water harvesting, waste-water recycling, solar-powered water systems, and digital monitoring technologies.
“These solutions must be supported, scaled up, and adapted to the grassroots levels for the benefit of our communities.
“I urge our institutions of higher learning, research centres, and innovators to continue developing home-grown solutions that respond to Africa’s unique challenges,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe continued to demonstrate its commitment to modernising infrastructure, strengthening water security, promoting innovation and gender inclusion, through the rolling out of various initiatives, while driving sustainable socio-economic development.
“Meanwhile, the “Empowering Women-Led Drone Enterprises for Water-Efficient Agriculture and Livelihood Diversification in Zimbabwe” project seeks to ensure the utilisation of advanced drone technologies to promote climate-smart agriculture and women’s economic empowerment.
“My Administration continues to avail resources to local authorities, to guarantee water availability and safe sanitation for our communities,” he said.
During the AU Assembly held last February, Heads of State and Government adopted the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy which imagines an Africa where water basins are recognised as shared natural assets that drive peace, trade, regional integration, and political stability.
It envisions a continent where there is universal access to safely managed water and sanitation services, even in emergency situations.
President Mnangagwa said the unprecedented disruptions being witnessed in hydrological cycles were regrettable.
“Droughts and floods, have increasingly become persistent features in many of our communities.
“We must fundamentally shift our paradigm to recognise water as a strategic economic asset.
“Water is intrinsically linked to food security, energy production, and ecosystem health,” he said.
Currently, agriculture accounts for 73,4 percent of Africa’s water withdrawals, yet only five percent of the continent’s irrigation potential is utilised.
Similarly, the continent’s energy ambitions depend on water security.
President Mnangagwa said with only 15 to 30 percent of Africa’s hydropower potential tapped, Africa had the opportunity to light up and industrialise, while creating millions of jobs.
“The proposed African Single Electricity Market and strategic transboundary water projects under Programme for Infrastructure Developmet in Africa, is a welcome initiative for the realisation of shared prosperity.
“Zimbabwe reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Pan-Africanism, solidarity, and the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“On this important occasion, I call upon all Zimbabweans, especially our youth, to embrace the values of patriotism, loyalty, discipline, hard-honest work, environmental stewardship, and innovation as we build a modern, industrialised, and prosperous Zimbabwe within a united, integrated and prosperous Africa.
“Together, as one people and one continent, let us continue marching forward to achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063. I wish Zimbabwe and the African Continent a Happy Africa Day,” said President Mnangagwa.
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