.LUNGU

By BENNET SIMBEYE  –

in Johannesburg
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu is expected here today for the 25th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union scheduled to take place from Sunday June 14 to 15.
The theme of this year’s summit is ‘Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063’.
The President will be accompanied by First Lady Esther, who will be attending parallel meetings of the Organisation of African First Ladies (OAFLA).
Outgoing Zambian High Commissioner to South Africa, Muyeba Chikonde and Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the AU, Susan Sikaneta, confirmed President Lungu’s attendance of the Summit where the Zambian Head of State was selected to represent the Southern African region in a facilitated panel discussion on the theme.
The Summit will also address other topical and strategic issues as well as adopt the implementation of the First Ten Year Plan towards the Agenda 2063 programme.
Agenda 2063 is a 50-year strategy to optimise use of Africa’s resources for the benefit of all Africans and is divided in long and short term implementation plans which are 25, 10 and 5 years respectively.
The African leaders will also discuss the streamlining of the AU Summit and working methods, as well as procedures of the African Union, with the view to having the organisation run more efficiently and effectively.
President Lungu is also expected to hold bilateral talks with his counterparts from various African and Observer countries, as well as senior representatives of some international organizations, including the UN Women, who have identified President Lungu as one of the leaders to feature in a television documentary which will focus on women issues.
Foreign Minister, Hon Harry Kalaba, Deputy Finance Minister, Hon Chris Mvunga, Gender Minister, Hon Nkandu Luo and Justice Deputy Minister, Hon Keith Mukata travelled ahead of the President for pre-Summit meetings.