By FIJADA Communications
Speaking at the International Forum of African Youth for the Development of Africa (FIJADA) International Convention under the theme “THE DRC, HEART OF AFRICA: Contemporary Diplomacy as a Lever for Sustainable Development,” Rudo Apollonia Madhende, FIJADA Africa Project Manager, said it was time for Africa to stop asking for a seat and start designing the table.
She noted that Africa supplies the world’s critical minerals, climate solutions and peacekeepers, yet still lacks a permanent voice in the UN Security Council and fair representation in the IMF and World Bank. She called on the AU to table a unified “Africa Charter for Multilateral Reform” and to negotiate from strength.
Madhende emphasized that Africa’s power lies in unity. She urged that Southern Africa Development Community, East African Community, ECCAS and AfCFTA speak with one voice to ensure the world listens. She added that the 21st century is about value, not raw exports, and stressed that all partnerships must include technology transfer, beneficiation and youth participation.
On Zimbabwe’s role, she said the country can partner with the DRC and Zambia on a SADC Critical Minerals Corridor, lead Economic Peace Diplomacy in the region, and advance Digital and Youth Diplomacy through FIJADA.
She concluded: _“If the DRC is the heart of Africa, then Zimbabwe can be one of the arteries. Africa’s goal is not a bigger seat. It is to redesign the table.”
