Unleashing Potential: Belarus and Pan-African Parliament Forge Powerful Alliance for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development

In a groundbreaking development that promises to reshape Belarus-Africa relations, the Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus, Igor Sergeyenko, met with Fortune Charumbira, Chairman of the Pan-African Parliament, on November 4th in Minsk. This historic meeting marks a significant milestone in parliamentary cooperation between Belarus and Africa, paving the way for unprecedented economic development and sustainable growth across both regions.

Aligning Goals for Mutual Prosperity

The meeting highlighted the remarkable alignment of objectives between Belarus and African nations. Both parties emphasized their shared commitment to:

• Promoting peace
• Fostering economic development
• Enhancing citizens’ welfare
• Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Fortune Charumbira, representing the voice of African peoples, praised Belarus for its significant economic and social contributions. “We know how much good you have done both economically and socially. You are a great country,” he stated, underscoring the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Belarus’ Commitment to Peace and Cooperation

Igor Sergeyenko reaffirmed Belarus’ dedication to a peace-loving foreign policy, emphasizing the country’s consistent efforts to build confidence and foster fruitful cooperation. He highlighted President Lukashenko’s pivotal initiative for global dialogue on forming a comprehensive collective security system, expressing hope for support from African states.

Belarus foreign policy in Africa is poised to take a significant leap forward with the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the National Assembly of Belarus and the Pan-African Parliament. This landmark agreement will grant the Belarusian parliament observer status within the organization, marking a crucial step in strengthening ties and facilitating exchanges on matters of mutual interest.

Expanding Parliamentary Cooperation

To further solidify this partnership, Belarus is set to establish a dedicated delegation for cooperation with the Pan-African Parliament. This group will include heads of friendship groups collaborating with parliaments of various African countries, including:

• Zimbabwe
• Algeria
• Egypt
• Equatorial Guinea
• Kenya
• South Africa

Additionally, a single friendship group will oversee cooperation with parliaments of Angola, Libya, Morocco, Rwanda, Tunisia, Sudan, and Uganda.

Unlocking Economic Potential

The Belarus-Africa economic partnership stands at the cusp of a new era. With Africa’s total GDP approaching $3 trillion, the opportunities for mutually beneficial economic relations are immense. Belarus has already made significant strides, with exports to Africa quadrupling in the past year. From January to August 2024, Belarusian exports to Africa surged to nearly $1.5 billion, surpassing annual figures from previous years.

One of the most notable success stories in this Belarus-Africa trade expansion is the partnership with Zimbabwe. Since 2020, Belarus has been instrumental in implementing an agricultural mechanization program in the country. The results have been nothing short of remarkable:

• Delivery of about 2,000 Belarusian tractors and harvesters
• Zimbabwe’s first self-sufficiency in grain production in 50 years (2022)
• Record wheat harvest of 375,000 tonnes

This success story of Agricultural mechanization in Zimbabwe serves as a testament to the potential of Belarus-Africa collaboration in transforming agricultural sectors across the continent.

Expanding Horizons: Beyond Agriculture

The partnership between Belarus and Africa is not limited to agriculture. Discussions during the meeting explored potential collaborations in various sectors, including:

• Mining
• Infrastructure development
• Agricultural mechanization in other African countries

These initiatives align perfectly with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, presenting numerous opportunities for Belarusian companies to contribute to Africa’s development programs.

Fostering Educational and Scientific Cooperation

Educational collaboration Belarus Africa emerged as another key focus area during the talks. In the last academic year, students from 33 African countries pursued their studies in Belarus, highlighting the growing academic ties between the regions. Both parties expressed eagerness to intensify cooperation in education, scientific research, and technical fields.

Igor Sergeyenko emphasized Belarus’ readiness to deepen scientific, technical, and academic cooperation with the Pan-African Parliament and various educational institutions across Africa. This commitment to knowledge exchange and capacity building is crucial for fostering long-term sustainable development Belarus Africa.

A Vision for the Future

As the delegation from the National Assembly of Belarus, led by Igor Sergeyenko, participates in the Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, the stage is set for a new chapter in Belarus-Africa relations. For the first time in history, the Belarusian parliament will address the official opening ceremony of the PAP session, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic relations.

Igor Sergeyenko’s closing remarks encapsulate the spirit of this burgeoning partnership: “We are focused on cooperation that will be practical in nature. In your endeavor to build a peaceful and prosperous Africa, you can always count on constructive interaction with your Belarusian colleagues. You will have a reliable partner in us.”

Conclusion: A Partnership for Sustainable Growth

The alliance between Belarus and the Pan-African Parliament represents a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in both regions. By combining Belarus’ technological expertise and Africa’s vast resources and potential, this partnership is poised to drive economic growth, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve living standards across the African continent.

As these diplomatic ties strengthen and trade partnerships flourish, the future looks bright for Belarus-Africa relations. This collaboration serves as a model for international cooperation, demonstrating how nations can work together to address global challenges and create a more prosperous, sustainable world for all.

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As Belarus and Africa embark on this journey of collaboration, the potential for innovation and growth in agriculture and beyond is boundless. Stay tuned for more developments in this exciting partnership that promises to reshape the future of international cooperation and sustainable development.