‘Walk your Talk’ - Former Namibian Prez tells African leaders

His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba Lucas a former Namibian President has charged African leaders to translate the lofty pronouncement that has been made over the years into practical actions for Africa integration.

He stated that the numerous integrated protocols signed by African states must be brought to light and should not be allowed to gather dust in the offices of bureaucrats noting that it is crucial that African leaders implement solutions that are feasible in solving African problems.

The former president delivering a lecture at the fourth edition of the African Leadership lecture at the University for Development Studies (UDS) asked political leaders to provide the necessary political will and mobilize resources for the implementation of programmes and at the same time crack the proverbial whip so that all those responsible for the implementations of treaties should do what must be done.

“To successfully integrate Africa, each country will need a sound and democratic government in place”, he stated.

Speaking on free trade barriers, the former Namibian President said Africa should not be only the path for exporting of raw materials but also value addition using indigenous knowledge and the productivity of the people.

Africa integration he said should promote inward looking investments and facilitate the acquisition and application of appropriate technologies.

His Excellency Pohamba Lucas called for the need for African made products to be marketed widely in the continent and perfect the available technology and as well as expand the few assembling plants to allow them to produce on mass for the market.