To realise the continent’s goal to industrialise, Africa needs to form partnerships with the developed nations.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane speaking ahead of the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit called by US President Barack Obama.
Nkoana-Mashabane says, “While South Africa would listen to President Obama and what he had to say at the summit, it was important that an African voice be heard during the deliberation on Wednesday.”
“Wherever we go, together with other African governments, we will always champion the African agenda, issues of peace and security and development, and that would include industrialisation and beneficiation of our mineral resources.”

Nelson Mandela initiative
The conference takes place after President Obama announced the Washington Nelson Mandela Leadership Initiative to develop and train political and economic leaders in Africa.

The programme will be rolled out in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Senegal, and its beneficiaries will be Africans aged 25 – 35, who have an opportunity to study at top US universities.

Nkoana-Mashabane states, “We welcome the initiative. It’s one of many programmes that we as the South African government support and hope will support our own initiatives to industrialise and grow our own economies.”

Adding, “South Africa would take advantage of the talks in Washington to say Africa was in the business of integrating the continent’s infrastructure.”

“Africa is serious about integrating our own economies and trade among ourselves but that does not exclude working with other major economies in the world, including the US.”

“More than 600 American companies were operating in South Africa and this is good for both the US and South Africa’s economy.”

Business Forum

President Obama and other African leaders, including President Jacob Zuma, will take part in a Business Forum discussion.
The Presidency said the meeting is expected to further strengthen ties between the United States and one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions, Africa.

The summit provides an opportunity to promote increased cooperation on Africa-US trade and investment, as well as cooperation on peace and security, infrastructure development and other key sectors.

Adds the Presidency, “South Africa sees immense value in the Power Africa initiative of President Obama and an opportunity in it to promote Africa’s energy projects as part of the continent’s important infrastructure development programme.”

Source– SAnews.gov.za