THE ACCRA DECLARATION ON LIBERAL ECONOMIES

DECLARATION TAKEN AT THE 2018 ALN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Accra, Ghana

4 March 2018

We, the ALN member parties, commit to working for secure and peaceful economic growth for all the peoples and nations of Africa and believe that fundamental to that is securing fair liberal economic policies for the benefit of all through the adoption by the governments of Africa, acting on the principles of full transparency and good governance, and provisions enshrined in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights of 1966, of the following priorities for action;

1. Acknowledging that a free and fair market without trade barriers, notwithstanding the Zanzibar Declaration of 2014, coupled with free movement of citizens of African countries within Africa without visa approval, is the path towards an economically developed African continent. International trade is important for long term growth, but also for decreasing poverty. Increased trade lifts both people and countries out from poverty and contribute to more openness and inclusiveness.
2. Recognising that Africa is becoming a key player in acquiring, generating and applying knowledge to the different challenges within development. However, in order to make innovation play its part in the pursuit for diversification and transformation of the African economies more progress has to be done. Support in a sustainable way is needed to help African states address their urgent needs such as industrialisation, the green economy and job creation.
3. Understanding that women’s economic advancement, in line with the UN Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women of 1979, is not only beneficial and crucial for gender inequality but also a precondition for Africa’s development as a whole.
4. Understanding that the creation of non-exploitative work opportunities and due payment of earning in line with the Protocol of the International Labor Organization on Collective Bargaining of 1949, especially for the large population of unemployed youth, is essential for Africa’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
5. Ensuring the implementation and application of the Rule of Law in conformity with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, Universal Covenant on the Political and Civil Rights of 1966 and the African Charter on People’s and Human Rights of 1981, in order to uphold vital and democratic governance with stable independent institutions where checks and balances are agreed, and treaties and agreements are adhered to. This is key in creating a prosperous and fair African economy.
6. Providing for the inevitable urbanisation and large flows of migration that comes along with economic growth, ensuring that adequate preparation is made for these changes and the impact it might have on public services, infrastructure, wages and health care, among others.
7. Ensuring that as economies grow, natural resources are protected, food security is guaranteed and access to clean water is provided by governments. The sustainable and responsible development of Africa’s economies depend on these factors being taken into consideration.
8. Acknowledging that public infrastructure investment is long overdue and working for the removal of unnecessary regulation, and regulatory uncertainty. It is also vital that we support new markets and investment, especially when it comes to resource-efficient innovations.
9. Working towards promoting innovation, scientific research and skills without degrading the environment, that will be vital for prosperity in the future knowledge-based economy. Increasing artificial intelligence is something that will change the nature of work for many which means that Africa needs to act now to ensure this technological advancement can be of the benefit of everyone and that no areas are left in technology’s shadow.