ACHIEVING THE AFRICA WE WANT THROUGH BETTER REGIONAL INTERGRATION

In the wake of the post-colonial movements started across Africa in the 1960’s, pan-Africanism was born. With it came the idea that the continent’s challenges would be solved by African people, for African people.

Although this pan-African vision of a united Africa solving common challenges has regained popularity, achieving it requires better coordination and cooperation from all involved. Furthermore, promoting a higher level of social inclusiveness and ownership solutions mustn’t be overlooked as each and every African citizen must have the opportunity to contribute to a better Africa.

 

With this comes the role of intra-African integration, which aims to facilitate trade and movement of people, as well as data and information transmission. Regional integration directly aligns with the Ubuntu philosophy which is a cornerstone of African culture. Finding solutions to common challenges must be done together.

 

Although a fully integrated Africa has been challenging to achieve, we must learn from past mistake to ensure this dream becomes a reality. The recent implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is an important step and an encouragement in the right direction. However, we mustn’t stop here and must strive for the day where African people across the continent will reap the benefits of our Pan-African vision. A day where a united Africa is no longer a dream but a reality.

 

In my latest blog, I make a case for a better integrated Africa and what it means for the socio-economic development of the continent at large. To find out more, please visit: https://dryayamoussa.medium.com/achieving-the-africa-we-want-through-better-regional-intergration-f3a8c1486ce2 

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