Addis Ababa:African political party delegates have commended Ethiopia for its significant strides in infrastructure expansion and urban transformation. The country's development efforts have been described as both inspirational and educational for other African nations, marking Ethiopia as a source of practical lessons.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, delegates from the African Political Party Summit, including Douglas Togara Mwonzora from Zimbabwe and Irene Mphahama from Lesotho, highlighted Ethiopia's achievements in development, natural resource management, and the advancement of women's participation in leadership roles.
The delegates urged African political parties to go beyond electoral competition, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to further development, strengthen democratic institutions, and accelerate continental prosperity. Mwonzora, President of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change, specifically lauded Ethiopia's hospitality, infrastructure development, and clean urban environment as demonstrations of Africa's potential for development through effective resource mobilization.
Mwonzora noted the importance of transforming Africa's natural resources from a curse to a blessing, advocating for responsible resource management to benefit citizens and prevent wealth concentration among political elites. He stressed that political parties, whether ruling or opposition, should drive development and uphold political cooperation beyond elections to foster stability and accountability.
Meanwhile, Irene Mphahama of Lesotho praised Ethiopia’s progress in women's leadership and urban development, highlighting the valuable insights gained from her interactions with Ethiopia’s Minister of Women. She expressed her intention to implement these lessons in Lesotho to enhance female representation in leadership.
Mphahama also admired Ethiopia's urban transformation and infrastructure development, citing a river development project as an example of how determination and planning can yield tangible development results. She emphasized the need for Africa to take ownership of its resources and development priorities, advocating for greater continental unity and self-determination.
Both delegates underlined the necessity for stronger cooperation among African political parties and governments, emphasizing that shared responsibility, political consensus, and collective action are crucial for unlocking the continent's development potential.
