“This Summit is crucial and a turning point in many ways”, said the AUC Deputy Chairperson to the press

Addis Ababa, 28^th January 2015. Mr. Erastus Mwencha, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) addressed continental and international journalists today 28 January 2015 within the framework of the ongoing 24^th AU summit. “This Summit is crucial and a turning point in many ways,” said the AUC Deputy Chairperson.

During the press conference, Mr. Mwencha stressed on the fact that this Summit is going to be very strategic for the “Africa we want” as there will be some important activities taking place in the margins of the 24^th AU Summit notably the launch of the African Union. Agenda 2063 which is a framework developed by Africans and a roadmap that will help to transform Africa’s economies in the next 50 years. 

The Deputy Chairperson further underlined that the Agenda 2063 framework document has received contributions from the different classes of the African society and will be an input to the global post 2015 development agenda.

He recalled that the year 2014 has been a very busy and challenging year for Africa. “In fact, the Continent faced some crises like the Ebola outbreak, the drop in the price of oil, the onset of radicalism and extremism among others.  Mr Mwencha however expressed satisfaction to the fact that that Africa was able to gather as one in solidarity to fight the Ebola epidemic that is now being contained.

The AUC Deputy Chairperson highlighted the progress made by Africa in the domain of peace and security under the African peace and security architecture which has facilitated the rapid response to conflicts within the continent. 

The AUC Deputy Chairperson further pointed out that this year has been dedicated for the empowerment of African women, “women represent over 50 per cent of the population. To that effect, “Africa will be able to take advantage of its demographic dividend,” he noted.

The issue of alternative sources of financing was raised among others by the AUC Deputy Chairperson. He underscored the need for Africa to be able to fund its own programs so as to contribute fully to the development agenda of the continent. “Once this is done effectively, then Africa shall be able to achieve its objectives....., one of which is silencing the guns by 2020”, underscored Deputy Chairperson Mwencha.