ARUSHA: TANZANIA has pledged to continue supporting reforms within the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), to help build a stronger, more effective bloc that advances the interests of its member states. Vice-President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi made the pledge during talks with OACPS Secretary General Moussa Saleh Batraki in Arusha over the weekend, where they discussed the organisation’s reform agenda and cooperation in trade, climate resilience and digital transformation. Dr Nchimbi said Tanzania remains committed to strengthening OACPS and improving its capacity to deliver on its mandate.
“Tanzania will continue supporting efforts to bring about change within OACPS and improve the institution’s ability to deliver on its objectives,” he said. The Vice-President also commended Mr Batraki for advancing reforms aimed at improving integrity and reducing dependence. “These reforms will help build a stronger OACPS that is better positioned to serve the interests of its member states,” he said.
On his part, Mr Batraki said OACPS is focusing on strengthening trade, deepening integration among member states and building resilience against climate change. “We are also increasing investment in information and communication technology, particularly digital technologies, artificial intelligence, data protection and information management,” he said. ALSO READ: Turn policies into action- Mwinyi urges OACPS He added that expanding trade among developing countries and promoting women’s economic empowerment remain central to the organisation’s development agenda.
The Arusha discussions came a few days after Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi urged OACPS to move beyond policy declarations and prioritise programmes that deliver tangible benefits to citizens. During talks with Mr Batraki at State House in Zanzibar, Dr Mwinyi said resolutions adopted at OACPS meetings should translate into practical initiatives that improve people’s lives. “Decisions reached at high-level meetings should not remain policy commitments, but should be followed by programmes whose impact can be seen by communities,” he said.
The president cited outcomes of the Eighth Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters and Fisheries held in Dar es Salaam in 2024 and the 11th OACPS Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo this year, saying they should provide th…
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