Kenya urges African to bank on home-grown solutions for transformative progress

DAR ES SALAAM: KENYA’S Deputy President Prof Abraham Kithure Kindiki has urged African countries to build confidence in their own capabilities and strengthen home-grown solutions to achieve transformative development comparable to other regions of the world.

Prof Kindiki made the call during the Africa50 Shareholders Meeting in Dar es Salaam today, which also marked the institution’s 10th anniversary.

Speaking at the meeting, he said the continent’s progress depends on strong political commitment, visionary leadership and effective systems that support long-term development.

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Prof Kindiki said committed governments and stable political leadership were essential in providing strategic direction, strengthening policy consistency, building investor confidence and ensuring development projects continue beyond changes in political leadership.

“Political changes that result in policy uncertainty remain among the major challenges slowing Africa’s development. We need systems that protect development agendas from being disrupted by changes in political leadership,” Prof Kindiki said.

Additionally, he stressed the need for African countries to develop local technical expertise to reduce reliance on foreign specialists, lower project implementation costs and increase national ownership of development initiatives.

Prof Kindiki said Africa should also adopt integrated long-term development plans that take into account future needs, available resources and productive investments.

Furthermore, he called for innovative ways of mobilising domestic and regional resources to reduce the cost of capital, strengthen investor confidence and accelerate implementation of major infrastructure and development projects across the continent.