Africa: Sweden Invited to Increase Investment in Africa

20 September 2013

African Union

"It's really Africa's time to focus on development, investing in our people, and growing the economy. We feel that now is the time for our friends who have supported us all along to remain part of this growth. You can invest and get some benefits, while we develop. Investment, not grants. Investing in Africa is probably better than most places."

H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission said this while inviting Sweden to increase its investment in Africa as the continent grows.

She said, for example, "you can invest in Equity Funds through the Africa-50 fund of the African Development Fund, within the framework our Agenda 2063,"

Dr. Dlamini Zuma made the call to H.E. Jan Sadek of Sweden, as he presented his letter of credence as his country's Permanent Representative to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and to the African Union.

Ambassador Jan Sadek moves to Addis from Khartoum, Sudan, where he interacted closely with, and highly appreciated the work of the AU High Level Panel led by former President Thabo Mbeki.

"I look forward to continue working, not only on Sudan and South Sudan, but of course with the rest of the continent," Ambassador Sadek noted, citing Sweden's tripled support to the AU Peace and Security Council as well as Swedish interest in being part of Africa rising.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma and Ambassador Sadek further explored areas of development cooperation between Sweden and Africa, notably as Africa's 2063 Agenda is being shaped. They discussed promoting gender equality and women's leadership through a women's capacity building project, youth skills development, the AU Foundation in formation stage as well as issues of peace and security.

Category: General