Pretoria - International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane says Africa and India must deepen the scope of their working relationship in order to benefit from opportunities in the ocean economy.
“The ocean is vital to the health of the entire planet and the well-being of humanity. It is a major source of food for the people of Africa and India. It is imperative that we tap into the benefits of the blue economy not only for our survival but for our future generations,” said the Minister.
She was speaking at the opening of the ministerial session of the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) underway in New Delhi, India.
The African Union has already expressed its commitment to embracing and developing the “blue economy” concept as a vital part of Africa’s future development as outlined in Agenda 2063.
African countries such as South Africa are also developing and analysing blue economy strategies (Operation Phakisa) that are looking into the economic opportunities.
Key areas such as aquaculture, marine transport and offshore oil and gas exploration have been identified as crucial in growing the economy.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane told the summit that the continent of Africa is endowed with a variety of natural resources, which should be beneficiated before they are exported.
“We have vast land with fertile soil, which could provide for food security in Africa and India. Partnering with India in the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) would promote agro-processing industries on the continent.”
Another area that the two sides need to focus on, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said, was the implementation of the Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) Strategy that was adopted by the African Union.
The successful implementation of this strategy would result in practical skills transfer to Africa’s youth, especially women.
“We therefore have to ensure that the roll-out of this strategy is implemented soon because our Indian partners have vast experience in this regard,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, who commended India for playing an instrumental role in supporting the African Union's flagship projects.
The Minister said this has not only opened and facilitated trade but it has ensured that for the first time, Africans can trade among themselves.
The Africa-India Framework for Strategic Co-operation has identified key areas of cooperation.
These include trade and industry as well as the promotion of public-private partnerships (PPP) with Indian business for skills development centres in Africa in areas such as information communication technology (ICT).
The ultimate goal of these skills development units is to train African engineers, technicians, ICT managers and other workers.
However, for these projects to succeed, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane proposed that the two sides set up a mechanism that will ensure that the implementation process of the flagship projects is monitored regularly.
The ministerial session today precedes the Heads of State summit, which is scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
The session is focused on areas critical for Africa's development as enunciated in Agenda 2063 such as trade and economic development, health, education and skills development, agricultural development, and peace and security.
Fifty-four African countries are expected to take part in the third India-Africa Forum Summit and over 40 Heads of State or government have already confirmed their participation.
President Jacob Zuma, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe are among those who have confirmed their participation. - SAnews.gov.za
