Ms. Regina C Boma, Zambia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations participated in the High-Level Policy Dialogue under the theme, “Boosting Trade Facilitation and Rethinking the Foundation of Africa’s Export Diversification” at the UN Headquarters on 22nd May 2023.
The event heard opening remarks from Ms. Cristina Duarte, United Nations Under Secretary General and Special Adviser on Africa, H. E. Mr. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly and H.E. Mr. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Industry, Mining, African Union Commission.
The Deputy Permanent Representative alongside the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Cabo Verde, delivered keynote remarks and set the stage for the interactive discussion.
In her remarks, Ms. Boma noted that the structural transformation and industrialisation Africa with linkages to the global value chains, were necessary for African countries growth, diversification and resilience. She added that the African Continental Free Trade Area would defragment the African markets, reduce the cost of doing business and help the growth of small and medium scale enterprises.
During the interactive discussions, participants noted that a diversified African economy would enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability and contribute to poverty eradication through employment and wealth creation.
The event is part of the Africa Dialogue Series being coordinated by the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA).