By Daily Revelation Reporter
The League of African Ambassadors (LAA), launched with pomp and purpose at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Center (MICC), and with an emphasis on trading more within Africa, while depending less on aid, and build a continent that thrives on its own terms.
“We need to improve our economies on our own,” said interim LAA President Ambassador Ominyi Nwanne. “Trade with Africa, buy from Africa, and not expect help from abroad. We must drop the tag of Africa being poor and corrupt. We need a strong Africa via the League.” His words set the tone for a plenary session that pulsed with urgency and ambition.
Moderating the session, Zambia’s former ambassador to Germany Ambassador Anthony Mukwita, Zambia’s planning committee member, laid bare the numbers:
“Africa, a continent of 1.4 billion people, has a GDP of about $2.7 trillion. Compare that to China’s $11 trillion with the same population, and the USA’s $27 trillion with just 260 million people. We have to change the game,” he said
Newly appointed Ambassador of Zambia to Ethiopia, Albert Muchanga, echoed the call for transformation: “We need to increase GDP to beyond 7% by 2030 to achieve this.” His statement was met with nods across the room, a signal that the League is not just about diplomacy—it’s about development.
One Ambassador didn’t mince words: “We need to cut down on the huge number of worthless currencies—some not even convertible—and move toward a single African currency.”
The call for monetary unity was matched by Ambassador Lazarous Kapambwe’s push for borderless trade: “We need to break down the borders, lessen travel times, and make the movement of goods faster—like the EU. No need to reinvent the wheel.”
Representing President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Mulambo Haimbe reaffirmed Lusaka’s commitment: “We are in full support of the League because they are a huge economic diplomacy resource for us in Zambia—and we believe for the continent at large.”
The LAA stands on five pillars: economic diplomacy, continental Trade Integration, narrative reclamation, youth mentorship and policy advocacy.
Ambassador Nwanne closed the session with realism and resolve: “The work ahead is tough but manageable.” With the League now officially launched, the journey to a stronger, wealthier Africa has begun—under African leadership, for African prosperity.
