ECA: African LLDCs face challenges in achieving goals

ECA Acting Executive Secretary calls for accelerated progress in African LLDCs, writes Baboloki Semele.

Gaborone, Botswana — The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Acting Executive Secretary, Antonio Pedro, called for accelerated progress in African Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) during the high-level Africa regional review meeting of the Vienna Programme of Action for Landlocked Developing Countries in Gaborone, Botswana, writes Baboloki Semele.

Pedro addressed delegates virtually and emphasised that while some progress has been made, it has not been substantial enough to meet the goals and targets outlined in the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA).

"Although African LLDCs have made some notable development progress, it has not been substantial enough to reach the goals and targets set out in the Vienna Programme of Action. However, the limited progress made should not go unnoticed. LLDCs have improved access to electricity and forecasted economic growth, but more work is needed," stated Antonio Pedro.

Pedro further highlighted the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in unlocking progress and addressing the challenges faced by LLDCs: "Successful implementation of the AfCFTA would allow for enhanced regional cooperation and economic integration on the continent and would directly address some of the challenges that LLDCs faced over the years – particularly regarding the reduction of transit costs."

Addressing the challenges faced by LLDCs, Pedro emphasized their unique circumstances: "Peculiar challenges arising from their lack of access to the sea, as well as inadequate transport infrastructure, are some of the obstacles that LLDCs have to overcome."

Rabab Fatima, the High Representative and Under-Secretary-General for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, stressed the need for Africa to redouble its efforts and mobilize global support during the 3rd LLDCs Conference: "Clearly, the targets and aspirations of the VPOA, the 2030 Agenda, and Agenda 2063 are far off-track. Africa must leverage the once-in-a-decade opportunity of the 3rd LLDC conference to mobilize global support and solidarity to strengthen partnerships to transform the lives and livelihoods of 533 million people in 32 landlocked countries."

Molebatsi Molebatsi, Botswana's Assistant Minister of Agriculture, called for better connectivity and financing for LLDCs: "There is a need to work together to ensure the overcoming of the common challenges we have. The use of the latest technologies will go a long way in helping us achieve this objective."

The two-day meeting, organized by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), in partnership with the ECA and the Government of Botswana, is reviewing the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action in Africa.

The meeting brings together ministers and senior government officials responsible for the implementation of the VPoA.

This regional review meeting serves as a precursor to the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) scheduled for 2024, which will comprehensively evaluate the progress made in implementing the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs.