Equatorial Guinea's Minister: 'Africa has been shaking off the shackles of dependence' - MPPRE

Equatorial Guinea’s Minister: ‘Africa has been shaking off the shackles of dependence’

In an interview with multi-state news network TeleSUR, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima spoke about the COVID-19 impact on Africa’s energy and hydrocarbon sector. During the interview, held on the occasion of Africa Day and Venezuela’s 15th Africa Week, he discussed the positive and negative aspects of COVID-19 in the economic and health fields.
“The pandemic is an issue that has both economic, sanitary positive and negative aspects (…), but it is undoubtedly an opportunity to realize that sooner or later we are responsible for securing our countries economically and healthwise.”
About the continent’s strengths to fight COVID-19, he pointed out that it is very important for the continent to develop its natural resources in spite of the “unfortunate” slowdown caused by the pandemic. He highlighted China’s cooperation in Africa’s industrial development and how it has enabled to envisage the diversification of its economy.
“We have this interest in developing our country, and developing not only our resources, such as hydrocarbons, but also green and blue resources, agriculture and fishing (…) If China is the world’s factory, Africa can become the world’s supermarket,” he said.
Obiang Lima added that “Africa has reached a point where it has been shaking off the shackles of financial dependence on Europe.”
“Despite what western media claim and spread, the African continent and the African countries, through the African Union, have developed for the wellbeing of the countries and continent (…) We have risen thanks to the support of other continents,” he stated.
The African minister concluded the interview by stressing that it is the duty of the youth and the people to remember, read their history and the leaders that achieved their independence.