El Alamein:Angolan President Joo Lourenço, also the Chairperson of the AUDA-NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee, emphasized the need for greater African ownership and effective implementation in the Agency's upcoming initiatives. Speaking at the closing session of the Summit of NEPAD Founding Members in Egypt, Lourenço highlighted the importance of reflecting on AUDA-NEPAD's 25-year journey to address the continent's current challenges. According to Angola Press News Agency, Lourenço outlined the immediate task of translating the Summit's guidelines into tangible results that could improve citizens' living conditions. He stressed the necessity for AUDA-NEPAD to have the resources, technical capabilities, and institutional conditions needed to fulfill its mandate effectively. Lourenço further mentioned that African ownership should manifest through the support of states, both politically and financially, for the institutions implementing these priorities. Aligning projects with the real ities of Member States was identified as crucial for the effectiveness of continental actions. He called for a stronger alignment between continental priorities and the needs of Member States. The President highlighted that continental policies and strategies gain concrete expression through projects, investments, and infrastructure development that benefit the population. He stressed the importance of implementing commitments from the Summit, as the strength of their decisions lies in effective execution. He also urged the Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee to maintain responsibility for political guidance and strategic oversight in collaboration with Member States, the African Union Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, and Regional Economic Communities. Lourenço expressed hope that the Summit would enhance engagement among founding members and consolidate the momentum needed for a more integrated and prosperous Africa, envisioning El Alamein as a symbol of renewed commitment to the continent's develop ment.
