African Union Development Agency (AUDA) – New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nardos Bekele-Thomas says Africa must continue investing in and funding its own development programmes instead of relying heavily on external support.
Bekele-Thomas made the remarks during a gala dinner marking 25 years since the establishment of the agency.
She said the continent has the resources and potential needed to drive economic growth, reduce poverty and address the many challenges facing African countries.
“Africa should stand on its own feet and not be dependent. The continent is rich in mineral resources and has the capacity to transform that wealth into development for its people,” she said.
Bekele-Thomas also stressed the importance of using Africa’s natural resources strategically to improve livelihoods and create sustainable economic opportunities across the continent.
–ChannelAfrica–
