New York – February 24, 2015

Excellencies,
Mr. Maged Abdelaziz, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to address this High-Level Expert Group meeting on behalf of H.E. Sam K. Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the General Assembly.

The theme of today’s discussion is both important and timely; particularly as we are in the process of agreeing upon an inclusive and transformative post-2015 development agenda.

As we all know, the African continent is blessed with abundant natural resources. For many resource rich countries, the extractive industries are an economic mainstay.

Thanks to the commodity boom over the last decade, many African countries have enjoyed strong export growth. Nevertheless, such export growth, which was largely dependent on primary commodities, has not brought about desired progress in economic and social development.

With a view toward harnessing the full potential of their rich natural resources, countries adopted the African Mining Vision in 2009. The Vision seeks a “paradigm shift” in Africa’s extractive industries; shifting away from the current “resource-for-development” model to one that could bring about a structural transformation of African economies.

Such a shift would take place by using mineral resources to catalyse broad-based and inclusive growth, while fostering economic diversification and industrialization across the continent. This goal is further affirmed in “The African Union Agenda 2063”.

In recent years, progress has been made in the implementation of this goal. African countries have taken concrete steps to improve the management of mining revenues and reform policies and regulatory frameworks to optimize national value creation from the extractive industries. Efforts have also been made to develop human resources and basic infrastructure to advance the extractive industries.

Nevertheless, many challenges remain, including the lack of institutional and technical capacity, investment and technology.

Excellencies,

Inclusive and sustainable industrialization is no longer a choice for Africa – it is an imperative. African countries must ensure that the extractive industries play a mobilizing role in this process. The extractive industries must be integrated with the rest of the economy to reduce dependence on commodities and achieve broad-based growth.

Such growth must be socially inclusive, with the benefits shared by all, including; young people, women and those in vulnerable situations.

At the same time, African countries must do more to protect the environment by enforcing sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Although each country must formulate its own development strategy according to its own national situation, it is also important that a regional approach be given attention. Such an approach should harmonize policies, improve cross-border infrastructure and boost intra-Africa trade with a view toward enhancing productivity and competitiveness.

In this regard, building more effective public-private partnerships is essential. Appropriate policies must be put into place which bring together the interests of stakeholders and governments, alike. International support for transparency and the management of natural resources should also be encouraged.

Excellencies,

As we work to craft the future development framework over the coming months, we have a unique opportunity to change the way we do business. This year marks an unprecedented opportunity to reinforce commitments and galvanize support for Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development.

To ensure our development agenda brings tangible benefits to all, it is essential that African countries’ actively engage in this process so that the continent’s needs are incorporated into the agenda. Together, we can turn the development aspirations of millions of people on the African continent into a reality.

Thank you for your kind attention.