THE Acting Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Antonio Pedro, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by African Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in achieving their development goals at the High-level Africa regional review meeting of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs in Gaborone, Botswana. Pedro acknowledged that while some progress has been made, it has not been substantial enough to meet the targets set out in the Vienna Programme of Action, Baboloki Semele reports.
Pedro emphasised the importance of recognising the achievements made by LLDCs, citing examples such as the improvement in access to electricity from 24 to 37 percent between 2014 and 2020 and an economic growth forecast of 5.3 percent for 2023. He also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a potential catalyst for further progress. Pedro stated that successful implementation of the AfCFTA would enhance regional cooperation, economic integration, and address challenges faced by LLDCs, particularly in reducing transit costs.
Addressing the delegates, Pedro stressed the need for collective efforts in addressing the unique challenges faced by LLDCs. He acknowledged that conflicts, political instability, and high levels of poverty and inequality compound the challenges faced by the majority of African LLDCs. Africa is home to 16 of the world’s 32 landlocked developing countries, 13 of which are also classified as Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Rabab Fatima, High Representative and Under-Secretary-General for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States, noted that the United Nations General Assembly has adopted an ambitious ‘Call for action to accelerate the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action’ to support LLDCs in effectively implementing the VPoA and achieving sustainable development. Fatima emphasised the urgency of doubling efforts to align the VPoA, the 2030 Agenda, and Agenda 2063, stating that the 3rd LLDCs Conference provides an opportunity to mobilize global support and strengthen partnerships for the 32 landlocked countries and their 533 million people.
Molebatsi Molebatsi, Botswana’s Assistant Minister of Agriculture, called for increased financing to enhance connectivity and implement the Vienna Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals. Molebatsi emphasised the need for LLDCs to overcome common challenges by working together and leveraging the use of technology.
The two-day meeting, organised by the United Nations Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS), the ECA, and the Government of Botswana, aims to review the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action in Africa. It precedes the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) scheduled for 2024, which will comprehensively review the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs.