ADDIS ABABA – The upcoming 38th African Union Heads of State Summit must prioritize economic development and conflict resolution across the continent, according to a leading economist.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Senior Economist Costantinos Berhutesfa (PhD) emphasized the need for African leaders to focus on internal solutions to poverty and work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
“Economic issues are always on the summit agenda,” Costantinos noted. “However, this 38th meeting should specifically address silencing the guns and resolving conflicts in the 39 affected African countries, tackling corruption and illicit financial flows, improving economic governance, and strengthening intra-African trade.”
He stressed that while economic development is crucial, the nature of state governance itself poses a significant challenge. He urged the heads of state to engage in open dialogue and reach consensus on how to effectively harness Africa’s vast resources for the benefit of its people and nations.
Costantinos acknowledged the difficulty of securing reparations for historical exploitation and slavery, citing a lack of comprehensive documentation and the complicity of some African leaders in such practices. He argued that focusing on internal strategies for developing the continent’s untapped resources is a more productive approach.
He also highlighted the need for the AU to refine its agenda and determine how Africa can achieve self-reliance using its own resources. Given the continent’s substantial debt burden, Costantinos noted that current negotiations often revolve around the G20’s Debt Suspension Initiative.
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2025
