ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR – Botswana’s President Duma Boko has called on African nations to reduce dependency on external trade and strengthen cooperation within the continent. He spoke at a regional summit today, noting that reliance on foreign powers has left Africa vulnerable to external decisions.
Boko said Africa faces a critical moment in its history, with self-doubt and divisions weakening regional unity. He urged countries to remove barriers and expand intra-African trade as a path toward economic stability and growth.
The President warned that continued inaction would leave hundreds of thousands of Africans in poverty and unemployment. He called on SADC and other regional bodies to turn discussions into concrete actions to tackle these challenges.
Eswatini, as a SADC Regional Development Fund signatory, has initiatives in place to boost regional trade. One-stop border posts are being implemented to improve the movement of goods, services, and people. The Kingdom is also working to diversify its economy beyond sugar exports and strengthen small and medium enterprises, aligning with Boko’s call for intra-African trade.
Boko reflected on Botswana’s democratic milestone, noting the peaceful transfer of power by former President Mokgweetsi Masisi after his party’s defeat. He said this example could guide other African nations toward stable democratic transitions.
The President also acknowledged women leaders such as Namibia’s President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for their role in regional development. He paid tribute to SADC’s founding pioneers and urged African nations to adopt innovative approaches to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Boko stressed that collective action is essential, with no nation left behind, saying, “We need each other desperately” to build a united and prosperous future.
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