Head African Union strategic partnerships and African Union commissioner general for expo 2020 Dubai, Dr Madueke Levi Uche has said that Africa will approach the Expo 2020 Dubai Project with all boldness and commitment and will attain all expectations.

Madueke noted that in keeping with the spirit of inclusivity and stakeholder engagement, the Commission in collaboration with its key stakeholders has organized two Workshops, developed a Concept Note for AU participation at Expo 2020 and designed the content of the AU Pavilion.

Speaking at the 3rd AU interactive platform for partnerships coordination (AU-IPPC) conference in Kenya to project African Union participation at the expo 2020 Dubai, Dr Madueke stated that in advancing the collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and the African Union (AU), the AU was invited by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, UAE to participate in the Dubai Expo 2020.

He stated that the Commission is also working to further engage key AU stakeholders and other possible committed Partners to further advance this process.

Dr Madueke noted that the AU has successfully held two Conferences towards advancing its collective thoughts on how to coordinate their efforts in driving its strategic partnerships.

He explained that the objective of both Conferences was to call for the establishment of an African Partnerships Coordination Platform.

Madueke emphasised that through the platform, all relevant stakeholders could develop a common understanding on how AU plans and implements its development and integration agenda, the AU Agenda 2063, enabling Africa to speak with one voice.

According to him: “The African Union has been designated by the UAE government as a key partner and stakeholder and has therefore offered a pavilion to the AU as well as its commitment to a strong spirit of collaboration and co-creation during every step leading to Expo 2020.
The African Union is very optimistic of its participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai, which will run from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 under the Theme: “Connecting Minds- Creating the Future.”

Head African Union strategic partnerships and African Union commissioner general for expo 2020 Dubai noted that the Commission has Africa’s blueprint and master plan, Agenda 2063, for transforming Africa into the global powerhouse of the future.

He said the body has redesigned its strategy on how to accelerate its economies.

He said: “We have also just launched and operationalized the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that would allow free access to commodities, goods and services across the continent, and in fact the largest in the world in terms of participating countries since the formation of the World Trade Organisation. The African Union Commission is also strategically catalyzing action for youth development in Africa, through the recently launched ‘1 Million by 2021 Initiative’, which aims to provide one million young Africans with opportunities in the areas of Education, Engagement, Entrepreneurship and Employment (4Es).

“There is a lot happening on the continent but the world is yet to hear all about it.

It is therefore time to change the narrative and project ourselves the way we want”.

“We therefore call on all AU Stakeholders and without leaving behind our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, to join us in branding Africa in the best strategic manner”.

Madueke also called on the world to Partner with AU as it decode the wonder called Africa and unveil the magic that will transform the world in its entirety and make it a better place for mankind.

In his words: “Within that context and in the course of the next few days, I would wish to seek your support and greater contributions as we explore how best the Expo 2020 can benefit our various development plans.