‘We need a lean, effective bloc’

WE PUBLISH below President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Statement at the ongoing 11th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

*** THE 2003 Maputo Decision on Structural Changes was an attempt to address the systematic challenges.

Today we have an opportunity to address the structural deficiencies of the (African Union) Commission.

We add our voice in calling for a lean management structure and portfolios aligned to the key priorities of the Union and clustering the portfolios along thematic lines to improve policy coherence and coordination and remove overlaps and duplication in portfolios.

We support the recommendations to reduce the number of commissioners from eight to six, with broad mandates reflective of the peace and security, economy and trade, and socio-economic development thrust of the continent.

The development trajectory we have undertaken should be in harmony with the environment; it must pay attention to agriculture — a key sector in many of our economies.

The focus on rural development as a broad mandate is most appropriate and resonates with inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no-one behind.

Delays in the production of documents must be a thing of the past. The decision to create a non-elective post of Director-General to assist with coordination of departments and non-elective staff is a noble one.

However, it is desirable that these changes be undertaken within the existing budget in line with the spirit of the reforms.

In conclusion, Your Excellencies, we look forward to the terms of reference specifying the role of each position and the developmental structure that is lean and performance-oriented.

I thank you.