Page 46 - Diplomatists Nov

SP E CIAL REPOR T

been responsible for increased investment and
output in agriculture in several African countries,
including Malawi, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, and
Zambia, among others. This has helped to boost
the economies of such countries, where agriculture
remains their “economic backbone.” The NEPAD
secretariat has also initiated processes that have
opened markets for African agricultural products
and manufactured goods in the West, in Asia, and
NEPAD NEPAD must do more to fulfill its aims. Among
in the Pacifi c.
For the immediate and long-term future,

such measures, include the following: reduce
the unequal trade relationships, by among other
things encouraging industrial production of
African raw materials. This would ensure that
they fetch higher prices on global markets, having
“added their value.” Through the CAADP, it is
A BRIEF HISTORY AND ITS imperative that NEPAD pays more attention to
SIGNIFICANCE FOR AFRICA man-made and nature-related challenges such as
climate change and global warming. These are
associated with increasing cases of drought, famine,
BY DR. PAUL CHIUDZA BANDA* and flooding, in the process reducing Africa’s
agricultural output. The focus on socio-economic
he New Partnership for Africa’s Development and political development, under NEPAD will
(NEPAD), was established in 2001, to only be attained where there is good governance,
Twork alongside the African Union (AU). political stability, and security. NEPAD must thus
NEPAD emerged as a “brainchild” of two African collaborate with the AU and African governments
presidents, Thabo Mbeki and Abdoulaye Wade to ensure promotion of democracy; and elimination
(from South Africa and Senegal, respectively). of civil wars and religious fundamentalist-based
NEPAD collaborates with African countries insurgencies (such as the ones in Mozambique,
toward sustainable growth and development. Somalia, and Nigeria). While NEPAD is promoting
It focuses on six main areas: Agriculture and trade with international markets, more must also
Food Security; Climate Change and Natural be done to promote intra-Africa trade. NEPAD
Resource Management; Regional Integration and must also provide the lead in Africa’s economic
Infrastructure; Human Development; Economic recovery as African countries struggle with the
and Corporate Governance; and other cross- effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could

cutting issues, including gender, ICT, capacity involve enhancing the continent’s technological
development, and communications. development and working alongside health and
NEPAD was established to replace previously agricultural research institutions. More support
unsuccessful continent-wide and regional-wide must also go to Technical and Vocational Education
socio-economic and political development Training (TVET) institutions, where entrepreneurial
initiatives in Africa. These included the following: skills can help create new jobs and the production
The Lagos Plan of Action (1980); The African of such equipment as gloves, face masks, hand
Charter on Human and People’s Rights (1981); sanitizers, and ventilators, among others. If NEPAD
The African Charter for Popular Participation fulfills its potential, African countries will easily

in Development (1990); and the Abuja Treaty achieve their goals for Agenda 2063.
establishing the African Economic Community
(1991), among others. Since its establishment, *Author is a Historian, currently based at
NEPAD has been instrumental in several areas. Tarleton State University, in Texas, USA. His
These include the Comprehensive Africa research interests are in Malawi’s political and
Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), economic history, and Africa’s relations with the
in operation since 2003. CAADP programs have Indian Ocean world.

46 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 8 • Issue 9 • November 2020, Noida