AU meeting in Kigali was enriching-Kalaba

Minister of Foreign Affairs Harry Kalaba has described the just ended 27th AU meeting in Kigali, Rwanda as enriching.
Mr Kalaba who represented President Edgar Chagwa Lungu at the Summit said that African leaders are optimistic that Africa will be transformed into a truly peaceful and prosperous continent by 2063.

Mr Kalaba said that the launch of the AU passport will enable African countries to export goods which have failed to cross borders for many years due to stiff procedures.

He said that time has come for Africa to realize its full potential by fast tracking initiatives designed to make the continent financially independent.

And the election for the African Union Commission Chairperson and the eight Commissioners was deferred to the AU Summit in January 2017.

African Union Commission Chairperson Mrs Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her Commissioners continue to be in office until January 2017 when elections to usher in new office bearers take place.

And the African Union has awarded Zambia with an Economic Rights recognition.

Zambia’s permanent representative to the AU, Ms Susan Sikaneta says the award is an appreciation for Zambia’s strides in empowering women economically.

Ms Sikaneta says Zambia is among the top 11 out of the 54 member states that have been awarded with Rwanda topping the list.
She said in Kigali, today that she was happy that the continental body has recognised the country’s efforts in empowering women.

Ms Sikaneta said the award is as a result of many initiatives government has introduced to empower women such as the distribution of tractors to women clubs, and women empowerment programmes.

She said it is for this the reason that Zambians must begin to appreciate government’s efforts to empower women.
The AU Economic Rights Award comes barely a year after President Edgar Chagwa Lungu was given a He for She award.