Window on Africa

Eighteen of the 54 African countries are members of the Commonwealth and will be represented at CHOGM. From the highly populous nation of Nigeria, to smaller island nations like the Seychelles, the issues these countries will want to bring up will vary.

In a recent editorial in the West Australian, Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd noted that six of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa and said the benefits for Australia and the world in engaging Africa are many.

This year’s CHOGM will also see the Commonwealth’s newest member, Rwanda, represented by its president Paul Kagame.

Nigeria and Mozambique will also be represented with the presidents from both countries set to speak at the Commonwealth Business Forum, which will run alongside the Heads of Government Meeting. Tanzania’s Jakaya Kikwete and Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba are also slated to attend the business forum.

Economic development is one area likely to be discussed by the leaders.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s growing economies, will be using CHOGM as an opportunity to attract more foreign direct investments into the country.

Some reports also suggest Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan will speak on developments in Nigeria’s mining and minerals industry.

The presence of the African heads of Government at the Business Forum perhaps signifies the economic growth the continent is facing with the IMF recently projecting that Sub–Saharan Africa (one of the world’s poorest regions) is set to grow by nearly 6 per cent next year.

Apart from economic development, another possible key issue discussed by African heads of government (and indeed other Commonwealth members), is that of climate change.

A report from the Commonwealth Eminent Person’s group, which will be presented at next week CHOGM, is expected to have recommendations on reforms for issues that have an impact on the developing and small island nations, such as climate change.

On a recent visit to Australia, the Seychelles President James Michel told SBS Radio that physical evidence suggests climate change is having a significant impact on the smaller island nations.

He also said the Commonwealth needed to adapt in order to remain relevant in the 21st century.

Another issue that may be brought up at CHOGM is that of former Commonwealth member Zimbabwe; not a member since 2003.

Part of the focus at CHOGM will be the question of Zimbabwe rejoining.

Richard Bourne from the Commonwealth Advisory Bureau writes that the ‘effect of recommendations by the Eminent Persons Group and Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting could make it rather harder for Zimbabwe to rejoin the Commonwealth, though not to inhibit re-engagement with a country that is still outside.’

Whatever the outcome is for Zimbabwe, next week’s CHOGM will be a great opportunity for African leaders to share their views of what role they see the Commonwealth playing in the 21st century and indeed within the continent itself.

To stay up-to-date with the latest from CHOGM, check out SBS’ special coverage.