Ahunna Eziakonwa underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions and narrative shifts during AEC 2024 in Gaborone.
GABORONE, Botswana (BG) — Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), delivered a strong call to action at the African Economic Conference (AEC) 2024, urging African leaders to rethink the aid framework and prioritize domestic solutions to secure the continent’s future.
Speaking in Gaborone, Eziakonwa highlighted Africa’s disproportionate burden in the face of climate change. Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, African nations face the immense challenge of raising $250 billion annually for climate action. Over 75% of these funds are currently offered as loans, which Eziakonwa stressed only deepen the continent’s debt burden.
The event, organized by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the UNDP, began in Gaborone, Botswana, on November 23 and will run through November 25.
“Africa continues to bear a disproportionate cost and burden of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions,” she said. “We must do things differently to secure Africa’s future—we must build from within.”
Eziakonwa called for a fundamental shift in the approach to aid, emphasizing that external assistance alone cannot meet Africa’s vast needs. “As leaders, we must rethink the aid framework. What aid provides will never be enough to meet the needs. It is time to strengthen sustainable solutions and mobilize domestic resources,” she stated.
Changing the African Narrative
Beyond financing, Eziakonwa addressed the perception of Africa on the global stage, lamenting that the continent is too often viewed through the lens of problems and poverty. She called for a concerted effort to reshape this narrative by highlighting Africa’s strengths and potential.
“Africa has so much to offer, yet it is often seen only through the lens of problems and poverty,” she noted. “We need to show a different face of Africa. Changing the narrative is critical. More African writers must tell our stories, rooted in our values.”
Eziakonwa’s remarks resonated with the AEC 2024’s broader theme, “Securing Africa’s Economic Future Amidst Rising Uncertainty,” which emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to the continent’s economic challenges.
Since its establishment in 2006, the African Economic Conference has provided a platform for dialogue, research, and knowledge exchange on pressing issues. Delegates at the 2024 event are exploring sub-themes such as human development, climate change adaptation, and the digital economy, with a focus on actionable solutions to drive the continent forward.
The conference places the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the center of discussions as leaders and experts strategize to secure a resilient and prosperous economic future for the continent.
By Felix Tih
