Driving Change: Yvonne Katsande & Dr. Amany Asfour Discuss Africa’s Path to Economic Justice”

At the African Union (AU) Summit in Ethiopia, Yvonne Katsande sits down with Dr. Amany Asfour, President of the Business Council at the AU, to discuss some of the most pressing issues affecting the continent today. Among the topics covered were economic justice, education, skills development, and Africa’s debt crisis issues that are central to this year’s AU discussions.
Economic Justice and the Role of the AUDr. Asfour highlighted how the AU is actively engaging in discussions about economic justice, particularly in the context of Africa’s development. She emphasized that tackling systemic inequalities, especially in sectors like education, technology, and skills development, is vital for Africa’s future. As part of these efforts, there’s a strong focus on equipping women and children with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving global economy.
The Path to Education and Tech Skills DevelopmentOne of the key takeaways from the conversation was the importance of reforming Africa’s education system to align with the needs of the future. Both leaders stressed the critical role that technology and tech skills will play in empowering the next generation. Dr. Asfour pointed out the urgent need to equip young Africans with digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and access to quality education, which are crucial in creating a prosperous and innovative continent.
Debt Cancellation and Africa’s Financial FutureAnother major point of discussion was the pressing issue of Africa’s debt, which currently stands at a staggering $70 billion. Dr. Asfour spoke passionately about the need for debt cancellation and how this would free up resources to invest in Africa’s development. Without such action, the debt burden will continue to hinder the continent’s growth and progress.
Industrializing Africa and Protecting Our MineralsIn a conversation that highlighted Africa’s vast natural resources, Dr. Asfour also discussed the necessity of industrializing Africa. She noted that Africa must stop exporting raw materials and instead focus on adding value to these resources within the continent. Additionally, both Yvonne and Dr. Asfour stressed the importance of preserving Africa’s minerals and using them strategically to drive the continent’s growth and development—putting African nations in control of their own economic futures.
Watch the Clip Below to See More from the ConversationYvonne Katsande’s insightful conversation with Dr. Amany Asfour brings into focus the important steps Africa must take to secure a fair, sustainable, and prosperous future for its people. Watch the clip below to catch highlights from this engaging discussion and see how the AU is championing these transformative initiatives.