KIBAHA, Tanzania: Political parties that led independence struggles in Southern Africa have pledged to strengthen regional cooperation and focus on economic transformation to improve living standards across the region.
The commitment was made during the 12th Meeting of Secretaries General of Southern Africa’s liberation movements, hosted by Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Kibaha, in Tanzania’s Coast Region.
Leaders said that while liberation movements historically fought for political independence, their current priority must be economic transformation, job creation and inclusive development to ensure citizens benefit from that independence.
The meeting brought together representatives from six liberation movement parties to discuss the political situation in Southern Africa, economic cooperation and strategies to improve the welfare of citizens.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, CCM Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro said the discussions also focused on youth employment, women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth as key priorities for the region.
Migiro said the large and growing youth population across Southern Africa makes youth-centred development policies essential for sustainable growth.
She also emphasised the important role women continue to play in economic development and recalled their historical contribution during Africa’s liberation struggles.
“As liberation movements, we must continue strengthening strategies that build inclusive societies and resilient economies,” she said.
Climate change also featured prominently in the discussions, with representatives from Mozambique highlighting the recurring impact of cyclones and floods on communities and infrastructure.
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Migiro said participating parties agreed on the need to strengthen regional cooperation and invest in strategies to address climate-related challenges.
The meeting also reviewed resolutions from last year’s Summit of Heads of Liberation Movements held in South Africa, assessing the region’s political landscape and exploring ways to safeguard political and economic independence.
According to Migiro, leaders reflected on the historical goals of liberation movements and discussed how independence should continue to deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
“The initial goal of our liberation movements was to attain political independence. Now that we have achieved that, the major responsibility of our parties is to promote economic development and social progress for our people,” she said.
She added that countries in the region must work together to consolidate both political independence and economic sovereignty while maintaining solidarity among nations that fought together during the liberation struggle.
Participants also discussed global geopolitical developments and conflicts, examining how Southern African countries can remain united and resilient in addressing external challenges.
The meeting brought together representatives from six liberation movement parties, including African National Congress of South Africa, Chama Cha Mapinduzi of Tanzania, FRELIMO of Mozambique, SWAPO of Namibia, ZANU-PF of Zimbabwe and MPLA of Angola.
The parties also shared experiences on development progress in their respective countries, including improvements in infrastructure, social services and strategies aimed at building more resilient economies.
Migiro said CCM presented Tanzania’s efforts to expand infrastructure, strengthen social services and implement policies aimed at building a strong and resilient economy, including measures addressing climate change.
“These developments reflect the spirit and aspirations of the independence we attained many years ago. Now is the time to continue strengthening and sustaining the efforts that began during the liberation struggle,” she said.
