Takudzwa Changadeya

Zimbabwean businessman Strive Masiyiwa has been appointed as the coordinator of a private sector-led continental effort to produce personal protective equipment (PPEs) and other important materials to combat coronavirus.

Mr. Masiyiwa was appointed by the African Union’s Chairman and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last week during a virtual discussion held by the AU Heads of State and Government with chairpersons of the AU’s regional economic communities (RCEs) pertaining to the possible actions that could be taken to fight coronavirus in Africa.

A communique of the discussion reads as follows:

“President Cyril Ramaphosa informed the meeting that he has appointed Zimbabwean businessman Strive Masiyiwa to coordinate a private sector-led continental effort to procure critical personal protective equipment and other essential supplies.

“The meeting endorsed the establishment of a forum on African business leaders to support efforts by the AU and member States to implement the continental Covid-19 strategy.”

Meanwhie, the Heads of State called for the lifting up of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and Sudan by the West.

The Heads of States agreed on the cancellation of debts and the implementation of a relief package for the African countries to fight