Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana continue to make great strides within the education sector to produce a 21st Century learner, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape.
Minister Kwape’s words are in synch with this year’s African Union theme, Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century; Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa”.
He emphasised the country’s efforts in driving innovation through initiatives such as SmartBots and early childhood education and development, all aimed at producing a 21st century learner.
In addition, Dr Kwape said with the majority of the African population constituting the youth and endowed with mineral wealth, it made perfect sense to focus on the education trajectory to develop the continent further and upskill the populace, especially the young people.
On others, Minister Kwape revealed that Botswana had the ambition to secure a seat within the African Union Security Council and was using the summit as a platform to lobby for support from fellow member states.
“Our wish stems from our distinguished historical background as a champion of peace and democracy. We are known for good governance and the rule of law, and this put us us on a better pedestal for the position.”
He said Botswana’s spirited participation in the Cabo-Delgado region in Mozambique and other peacekeeping missions also placed it ahead of others to be considered for the position.
Also, Dr Kwape said that Botswana as a bonafide member of the African Union ought to fully participate to benefit substantially on pertinent issues including the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) also dubbed ‘The Game Changer’.
The agreement is one of the flagship projects of the AU Agenda 2063 whose aim is to enable the free flow of goods and services across the continent and boost the African continent’s trading prospects in the global market.
As part of its mandate, the AfCFTA is doing away with trade barriers to achieve intra-Africa trade that boosts a market of over 1.3 billion population mostly youth.
However, Dr Kwape stated that this year’s African Union summit was also used as a platform to check on progress made regarding the free trade area agreement by member states.
The Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane is expected in Addis Ababa where he will join other heads of State for the Ordinary session of the AU assembly slated for February 17-18 2024.
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