Africa must develop its own business and industry to protect itself in the face of commodity price volatility and commercial aggression on the global arena, the visiting French prime minister warned.
Speaking at the South African Institute of International Affairs at Wits University on Friday, Dominique de Villepin further warned that if Africa did not succeed in defending its interests, it might see its wealth in raw materials backfire.
Particularly dangerous is the ”illegal exploitation of resources by organised criminal networks”, he warned.
”The danger is that Africa is subjected to the most brutal changes due to globalisation, without benefiting from it.”
Outlining the risks that globalisation put on the environment; the French premier said 70-million Africans will eventually have to leave coastal areas to flee rising sea levels, thanks to global warming.
This would be in addition to the droughts Africa will suffer.
”Africa today is the region that produces the least pollution, and yet [it] has to bear the full brunt of consequences of global warming,” he noted.
De Villepin suggested that in the face of globalisation, Africa should be placed on a level playing field on the international arena.
”It’s in the entire planet’s interest,” he stressed.
”Because Africa is faced with distinctive challenges, it has to occupy a specific position.
”New tools have to be implemented that would allow us to move towards a fairer and more balanced globalisation.
He called on the International Trade Organisation to set up incentives, safeguards and specific protections for Africa.
On the issue of illegal African migration to Europe, De Villepin said the solution lay in a genuine partnership between migrants’ African countries of origin, transit countries and countries of destination.
”The interest of the countries of origin is in making it possible for their nationals to contribute to their countries’ economic development and to achieve their full potential there.
”In the long run this suggests that we have to reflect together on how to facilitate the movement of talented and competent people between Africa and Europe.”
He said that European countries, through their corporate sectors and educational systems, can support the efforts by African states in providing training.
France will need to double its aid to Africa by 2050.
”By increasing aid development to 0,7% by 2010, France will be contributing fully to that effort.”
De Villepin also recommended that Africa guarantee its stability and security by strengthening the role of its regional organisations.
He noted that France and South Africa will be able to act together on the United Nations Security Council to help ensure that reason and the rule of law prevail.
He said that testimony to France’s commitment to regional stability and international security is the deployment of 10 000 soldiers in Africa.
”For some years now, France has chosen to stand alongside Africans in the gravest crises,” he said.
On De Villepin’s schedule before his departure on Saturday are a visit to Soweto and talks with President Thabo Mbeki in Pretoria.
The Franco-African summit is scheduled to take place in Paris next year. — Sapa