Africa-Press – Angola. A delegation from the National Assembly (Angolan parliament), led by MP Manuel Augusto, representing the Speaker of the Parliament, Carolina Cerqueira, recently participated in the 13th Conference of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa.
According to a press release on Tuesday on the sidelines of the event, Manuel Augusto delivered a message from the leader of
the National Assembly, Carolina Cerqueira, to the President of the Pan-African Parliament, Fortune Charumbira.
The event reaffirmed the commitment to continental integration, sustainable development, and strengthening Africa’s voice on the global stage. Participants emphasize that Africa loses up to 15% of its annual GDP due to climate change, despite emitting less than 4% of global greenhouse gases.
They advocate for an urgent increase in climate financing, binding legislation, and a parliamentary network for environmental resilience.
In the area of trade, leaders denounce unfair practices that limit Africa’s agricultural potential and call for the elimination of tariff barriers, increased investment in farmers, and the modernization of value chains. Regarding mining, they criticize predatory practices that cost Africa approximately $88 billion annually in illicit flows, and advocate for transparent contracts, environmental protection, and greater local processing of resources.
The conference highlights the digital economy as key to the continent’s future, but warns that only a third of the African population has internet access. Legislation is being called for for broadband, digital security, and ethical governance of artificial intelligence.
Parliamentary leaders emphasize the need for Africa to speak with one voice in multilateral forums, demanding reforms to the UN Security
Council and greater representation in global bodies.
The meeting’s final communiqué advocates for strong parliaments, greater ties with the diaspora, accountability in implementing commitments, and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy as an instrument of peace. “We are committed to a united and resilient African voice that brings the continent’s priorities to the center of the global agenda,” reads the final declaration.
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