Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino-Herald Correspondent
Demographic trends point to Africa as the world’s youngest continent. At the centre of the continent’s development trajectory ahead of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 initiative is the empowerment of women and youth by listening to their ideas.
The Herald Correspondent Gibson Nyikadzino (GN) had an interview with Dr Hanan Morsy (HM), the Egypt candidate for the position of Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission in the forthcoming elections scheduled for February 2025 on her recent visit to Zimbabwe. Below are the excerpts:
GN: What inspired you to pursue the position of Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, and what specific contributions do you envision making to advance the organisation’s mission if elected?
HM: My motivation to apply for this position stems from my deep love for Africa and my unwavering belief in its immense potential. While the continent faces significant challenges — such as over half of its population is vulnerable, and more than 600 million people lacking access to electricity—I choose to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead. Africa is the youngest continent, and this demographic advantage can be harnessed for energy and innovation.
We possess 60 percent of the world’s solar energy potential and vast reserves of critical minerals essential for the global transition to green energy.
It is imperative that we nurture and leverage these resources to realise the vision of an empowered Africa by 2060.
Furthermore, the African Union’s role is increasingly vital on both global and regional fronts. With rising geopolitical tensions and a shift toward protectionism, a united AU is essential to safeguard the interests of African nations. Regionally, we must strengthen the AU’s efforts to promote integration and effectively implement key initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
What will I bring to the AU? My background includes extensive experience in transformative institutional reforms, particularly during my tenure at the African Development Bank, where I enhanced the assessment of development impacts. I have a proven track record in leading and transforming teams, which is crucial for building internal capacity within the AU.
One of my key strengths is my ability to foster consensus among diverse stakeholders. For many years, I have successfully united various member states to achieve collective goals, and I believe this skill is essential for delivering tangible results for the continent.
GN: What key priority area do you plan to focus on first, and what initiatives do you intend to advocate for if you are elected?
HM: There are three key priorities I aim to address:
Accelerating institutional reforms: My first priority is to expedite the implementation of institutional reforms already approved by African Heads of States and Governments for the AU. It is crucial that these reforms are built on the internal capacity of the AU to ensure their effectiveness.
Mobilising and diversifying resources: The second area of focus is to mobilise additional resources and diversify funding sources. There are numerous areas that remain untapped, and broadening our funding base is vital for sustaining our initiatives.
Adopting a people-centric approach: Lastly, I emphasise the importance of a people-centric approach. Engaging with African citizens, especially women and youth, is essential. Strengthening this engagement will ensure that their voices are integral to the decision-making process.
GN: How do you plan to advocate for the inclusion of women in gender mainstreaming processes to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities?
HM: I have actively championed gender mainstreaming throughout my career, both at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the African Development Bank. It is crucial that gender considerations are integrated into operations and policies at the AU.
Additionally, I have focused on gender inclusion and access to finance, an area that requires significant attention. Women constitute a substantial portion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation and empowering other women. Ensuring equal opportunities for women in accessing finance is essential for driving economic growth and enhancing their contributions to society.
GN: When it comes to financial inclusion, do you think targeted people understand financial literacy and what needs to be improved?
HM: To enhance women’s access to finance, we need to focus on several key areas. First, improving financial literacy for women who lead and manage enterprises is crucial. Additionally, we should work on regulatory frameworks that facilitate better access to finance.
For instance, implementing movable asset registries can significantly help women, as many own assets like cattle or jewellery that are often overlooked in traditional lending processes. Recognising these assets can open new avenues for securing loans.
Moreover, it is essential to develop policies and strategies that incorporate women’s voices throughout the decision-making process. This approach will also help integrate the perspectives of youth and local communities, which is vital for fostering inclusive growth going forward.
GN: How important is it for a rural girl or young woman aspiring to hold a leadership position to have access to similar forms of empowerment as her urban counterparts when starting a business?
HM: There are two key points to consider. First, never view something as impossible; always strive to do your best and believe in yourself. Second, centre your efforts around a mission greater than yourself—one that focuses on helping others, supporting African countries, and fostering initiatives that make a difference. I have a strong belief in the potential of young people, and I truly believe that Africa can achieve a transformative future if we empower them to contribute meaningfully.
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