Deeper integration between African countries is key in unlocking the continent’s economic development-Uhuru Kenyatta:Kenyan president.

 

Today, Kenyan president,Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the 6th session of the 3rd Pan African Parliament at Gallagher Estate, Midrand in South Africa. He asked the African Union to up and expedite the integration agenda of the Continent.  Kenyatta told them that deeper integration between African countries is key in unlocking the continent’s economic development. Africa needs to work together towards an integrated economy, trade, investment and the free movement of people across borders.

He further said that integration should start by breaking the artificial borders created by the colonial masters and also by writing a new narrative to disabuse the notion that Africa is a hopeless continent characterized by disaster and death. Africa stands on the most promising times for its renaissance and rebirth since the founding fathers of the respective states won the independence of their countries. Africa must start looking inwards for solutions to its various challenges rather than continued dependency on other world economies including economic dependency. The future of our continent cannot be left to the good graces of outside interests.

 Dependency on giving that only appears to be charit able must end. Foreign aid, which so often carries terms and conditions that preclude progress is not an acceptable basis for prosperity and freedom. It is time to give it up. I regret that volumes of trading between African states are disappointingly low and unacceptable while trade with America, Asia and Europe continues to flourish. There cannot be a good reason why it is easier for us to trade with Asia, Europe and the Americas, rather than with fellow Africans. The dreams of the EAC partners to establish the block’s Customs Union, a Common Market, a Monetary Union and ultimately a Political Federation are about to be fully realized. Despite our comparatively small individual economies, the integration of the five East African economies has placed the entire region on a trajectory of growth that will fundamentally transform East Africa. To bolster growth, we have undertaken joint infrastructure projects to support trade, investment and free movement of our peoples across the region. We know what it is to be faced with divisions of creed and culture. We know what it is like to be faced with the fear that fires xenophobia. We know what it is like to face the legacies of violence and hatred. I call on Africa to boldly face these challenges for the better good. Africa can no longer ignore the global phenomenon of terrorism in its quest for prosperity and unity. African states must forge close ties and share information on threats and measures to jointly tackle the menace of terrorism. The radicalization of young people extends beyond national, or even continental borders. This fluid challenge requires unfailing solidarity between our states and a joint action plan between our national and regional levels.