Minister of Foreign Affairs says the Continental Free Trade Area will only thrive if Africa tackles the problem of instability that has ravaged some countries.

In a statement issued to Money FM News, Joseph Malanji said no meaningful development can be achieved in Africa in the absence of peace and security.
Mr. Malanji, who is in Addis Ababa to represent President Edgar Lungu at the 33rd African Union Heads of States and Government Summit, said the Africa Continental Free Trade presents a higher chance of success when Africa resolves peace and security issues affecting certain parts of the continent.

“Africa seeks to achieve durable social and economic development. No meaningful development can be achieved in Africa in the absence of peace and security,”Mr. Malanji said.
He also said Zambia supports the African Union Agenda of creating a single market as envisaged in the 7th National development plan that promotes an open and liberalized economy.

“Zambia has put in mechanism such as the amnesty Programme for voluntary surrender of fire arms and demining of areas that have landmines that were planted during conflicts in some neighboring states, in order to contribute to the Agenda of silencing the guns on the continent,” Mr. Malanji said.

The Heads of states Summit has been preceded by the 36th ordinary session of the executive council that has officially opened today and this year’s theme is silencing the Guns, Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development.