At the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum held in Bali from 1-3 September 2024, Hon. Advocate J.F.N. Mudenda, Speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament, delivered a compelling address that set the tone for a productive and forward-looking dialogue between Indonesia and Africa. His remarks underscored the importance of deepening economic, legislative, and cultural ties between the two regions.
Mudenda began by expressing heartfelt gratitude to Her Excellency Dr. Puan Maharani, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, for her warm hospitality. He also conveyed the appreciation of Zimbabwe and its President, Cde. Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, highlighting the strong fraternal bonds shared between the nations.
In his address, Mudenda drew inspiration from the Bandung Conference of 1955, which marked a significant milestone in South-South cooperation and the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement. He highlighted the conference’s core principles of human rights, national sovereignty, and non-interference, which continue to be relevant in today’s global context.
Focusing on the Forum’s theme, “Forging Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Partnership for Development,” Mudenda emphasized the need for both regions to synchronize their trade and investment laws. He advocated for the creation of One-Stop-Investment Centres to simplify business processes and reduce trade barriers. Such measures are crucial for facilitating economic growth and fostering mutual prosperity.
Mudenda also reviewed key agreements such as the Indonesia-Africa Trade Agreement (2018) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Agreement (2018). He praised their impact on increasing trade and reducing tariffs but urged for full implementation to maximize their benefits. His call for ratifying and enforcing these frameworks reflects a pragmatic approach to strengthening economic ties.
Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, Mudenda called for the integration of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement into national laws. He stressed the need for joint climate action and technological innovation to address environmental challenges effectively.
In the realm of health, Mudenda proposed a strengthened collaboration between the ASEAN Health cluster and the Africa Centre for Disease Control. He underscored the importance of legislative support for health equity and the development of vaccines through research and innovation, particularly in combating emerging threats like Monkeypox.
Concluding his remarks, Mudenda urged the Forum’s participants to translate discussions into concrete actions. He emphasized that the success of the Forum would be measured by its ability to deliver tangible benefits for the citizens of both Indonesia and Africa.
Overall, Mudenda’s address at the Bali Forum highlighted a positive and collaborative vision for the future of Indonesia-Africa relations. His emphasis on economic integration, climate action, and health cooperation points to a promising path forward, ensuring that the Forum’s outcomes contribute to lasting prosperity and mutual understanding between the two regions.
