Zuma calls for focus on intra-Africa trade

Private business has been called on by president Jacob Zuma to become more involved in intra-Africa trade. Speaking at a South Africa- Mozambique Business Forum meeting in Maputo recently, Zuma said “the continent is rich in natural resources but above all it has the resourcefulness of its people. The focus, therefore, must be on creating conditions that will release the creativity and productivity of the African people”. His call comes after over 30 African trade ministers and senior officials meeting in Accra, Ghana in December adopted a roadmap for an African Free Trade Area to be achieved within the next six years. The recommendations of the ministers would be presented to the heads of state of member countries at their summit in January for possible adoption to kick-start the implementation. “What is required is that we do things that go beyond the ordinary. It cannot be business as usual on the African continent. In this regard, our continent needs to not only be characterised as a potential consumer market, but also to ensure that we are at the forefront of production and innovation on our continent,” said Zuma. He called for international collaboration in tackling Africa's infrastructure deficit and partnerships with established economies and the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (Brics) group.