'SA's foreign policy needs to adapt to economic shifts'

SOUTH Africa and the African continent must confront current global economic shifts head-on with a clear-eyed, values-driven, and pragmatic foreign policy that repositions Africa at the centre of global trade and diplomacy, said Mcebisi Jonas, special envoy to the United States.

- HOPE NTANZI

Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation yesterday, Jonas urged a clear-eyed approach to national interest and a united national vision as the world grapples with imminent US tariffs set to take effect on August 1.

He called for reform of multilateral cooperation and stronger partnerships for development, saying the global crisis presents an opportunity for change.

He urged South Africa and the continent to take advantage of its demographic edge as the world’s youth population increasingly shifts toward Africa.

“By the middle of the century, Africans will number 2.5 billion out of the world’s population of 10 billion,” he said. “Of course, the question would be, what do we do with that demographic dividend?”