International and Regional Trade Promotion through Research Analysis and Awareness

African Union Summit concluded in Addis Ethiopia on 16 July 2012, with African Leaders committing on the theme of the Summit “boosting intra-Africa trade”. The Summit which elected Ms Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa as Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mr. Erastus Mwencha of Kenya to be the Deputy, noted the need infrastructure development with a view to linking up the continent. The Summit also emphasized the principal of progressive integration and allowing the regional blocs to consolidate their integration goals as part of the process promoting intra-Africa trade. 

One speech was particularly spot on. This was the speech by the President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The President noted that intra-Africa trade is low because the continent is not linked. He noted that the construction of the hardcore surface roads and railways which link the East Africa region to Kisangani, Juba and Addis Ababa is must. 

On energy, President Museveni reminded his counterparts that Africa generates very little energy which cannot enable the continent improve intra-Africa Trade not even meeting its minimum industrial development goals . He noted that the sub-Saharan countries excluding South Africa produce only 28 GW of electricity equivalent to the output capacity of Argentina or just 2 more GW of what is produced by Norway. President Museveni said that whereas countries like the US have a Kilowatt Hour (KWH) Per Capita of about 13000, some countries in Africa only have a KWH per capita of 12. He also compared Africa with some of the emerging economies such as Singapore whose KWH per capita is 7948, South Africa 4532 and Libya 4170. The President noted that although Uganda has achieved the KWH per capita of 200 up from 28, this is not yet enough to enabling the country attain industrial development.

President Museveni called on Africa to wakeup and address infrastructural constraints which he said are hindering intra-Africa trade development. The President called on the friends of Africa to support the continent in building and enhancing infrastructure rather than just talking about other small things such as homosexuals noting that “even the homosexuals need electricity”. The President also highlighted the need for African Governments to improve on connectivity especially in the area of air and maritime transport which he said that their contribution to intra-Africa trade has been insignificant. He also observed that deficiencies in the communication sector are also hindering intra-Africa trade development noting that currently it easier and cheaper for business persons to call their European counterparts than those in Africa, a situation he said deos not facilitate intra-Africa trade.

The meeting also reviewed the progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals noting that although some progress has been made especially in regard to poverty reduction, education and emancipation of women and youth, the continent has not done well in other areas.

On the conflict situation in Africa, the African Leaders condemned the acts of Al-Shabab in Somalia, the LRA in East and Central Africa, the rebels in DRC and Mali. The leaders resolved to take action on the rebels in Mali. The Summit recognized the efforts of the AMISON, the African Union Mission in Somalia. Countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and Ethiopia were particularly appreciated for their efforts in ensuring peace and security in Somalia. The leaders also called on Sudan and South Sudan to observe peace and cease hostilities.