President Hakainde Hichilema says Africa can be a global industrial powerhouse if the continent pivotes towards value addition through production and manufacturing.
President Hichilema said Africa hosted minerals that were critical in industrial application.
According to a posting on his Facebook page yesterday, Mr Hichilema joined other African leaders at the Africa Green Industrialisation event convened by Kenyan president William Ruto in Dubai.
“Our continent hosts the critical minerals needed in industrial application. If we pivot towards value addition through production and manufacturing, Africa can be a global industrial powerhouse, in this billion-dollar green energy revolution, redefining the economic landscape.
“We look forward to the various investment pledges that have been made by the private sector to actualise this initiative. This is an economic opportunity for Africa and quality jobs for our citizens,” he said.
The President also met United Nations (UN) Secretary- General António Guterres with whom he discussed the latter’s role in reforming the international financial architecture.
Mr Hichilema said while acknowledging progress, he urged the international community to expedite the implementation of those reforms.
“Our conversation also delved into the operationalisation of the Damage and Loss Fund, highlighting the crucial need for climate change support to ensure food security in our nations,” President Hichilema said.
Mr Hichilema said the other matter discussed during the meeting was on peace and security, advocating for the UN’s active role in supporting those issues within the realm of multilateralism.
President Hichilema said as chairperson of the Africa Group of Negotiators, he committed to staying engaged on those vital concerns.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said he had a constructive engagement with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s assistant Secretary General and Regional Bureau for Africa director Ahunna Eziakonwa.
Mr Hichilema said among the issues discussed during the meeting was the UNDP’s support towards Zambia hosting a regional technology hub and a carbon market strategy framework, to enable Zambia to effectively participate in carbon credit markets.
President Hichilema said he was optimistic about the outcome.
The President arrived back home yesterday.
