Reply: The 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union will be held on 15 to 16 February 2025 in Addis Ababa under the theme "Building a united front to advance the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans." This theme echoes well with our long-standing struggle for Mauritius to complete its decolonisation process so that it can effectively and fully exercise its sovereignty over its entire territory, including the Chagos Archipelago. It is important to remind ourselves that African Union Member States have always been very supportive in respect of the Chagos issue. This is why we never fail to express our sincere gratitude to our fellow brothers and sisters from the continent each time the opportunity arises, at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. The agenda of the upcoming Summit will cover several issues of direct relevance to Mauritius, namely Climate Change, Reform of the United Nations Security Council and AU membership in G20. In line with the promotion of developmental diplomacy under the Government Programme of 2025-2029, our participation in the forthcoming AU Summit will enable Mauritius to express our concerns, interests and vulnerabilities as an African Small Island Developing State; and explore ways and means to tap into the potential offered by intra- African exchanges, particularly in terms of trade. The AU Summit will also provide us with

154 an opportunity to seek support for the candidatures of Mauritius in regional and international organisations. At AU Summit in Addis Ababa, the Mauritius delegation will engage with like-minded partners in the margins of the Summit to mutually explore new avenues of cooperation as well as consolidating existing ties. The strengthening of relations between Mauritius and other African countries has always been a cornerstone of our foreign policy since our independence in 1968. The destiny of Mauritius is inextricably linked to the future development of our region and of our continent. Being part of Africa, Mauritius is called upon to devise a continental strategy for the mutual benefit of the Peoples of Africa. We are part of Africa by geography and by destiny. As Members of the House would be aware, Africa is one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world and has eight of the world's fastest growing economies. It represents a potential market of over 1.3 billion people, with consumer expenditure expecting to reach $2.1 trillion by 2025 and $2.5 trillion by 2030. The future of Africa lies in the promotion of Intra-Africa trade and investment. Government would therefore endeavour to further strengthen economic integration within Africa at bilateral, regional and continental levels. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides Mauritius access to a vast single market offering immense opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial growth. Key initiatives include addressing trade barriers, harmonising regulatory frameworks, and improving freight and connectivity within Africa. Mauritius will engage with other African countries on the possibility of developing robust digital infrastructure that will facilitate e- commerce and cross-border trade. As enunciated in the Government Programme 2025-2029, Government will promote regional cooperation and enhance economic integration at regional level, namely within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), reinforcing our role as a regional trade and investment hub. In pursuit of a stronger and more dynamic continental strategy, Government is actively undertaking several initiatives to enhance diplomatic and economic cooperation with African

155 countries. These initiatives align with our firm commitment to regional integration, economic diplomacy, and sustainable development. At the diplomatic level, Mauritius is engaging in high-level discussions with other African countries to deepen bilateral relations. These engagements will serve to reinforce our partnerships, advance common interests, and explore new areas of collaboration. Mauritius is also leveraging existing joint commissions with countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa as structured platforms to drive cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, and development. A key component of our continental strategy is enhancing air and maritime connectivity. Government will explore the feasibility of establishing new shipping routes and air links with African coastal states and collaborating with African port authorities to strengthen maritime trade networks. As a member State of the African Union, Mauritius looks forward to participate effectively in the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government to achieve the objectives of the African Union, namely – (i) to achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity among the African countries; (ii) to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States, and (iii) to accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent. LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL ACADEMY PROJECT – INVESTMENT & OUTCOME