Breaking the chains: How a borderless Africa could unlock the continent’s true potential

By Betha Madhomu

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, during a 2021 state visit to South Africa, passionately addressed the lingering impact of colonial borders on Africa’s progress.

He lamented: “These borders are not your creations. These were creations of people outside this continent who made these borders not to develop you but to extract from you. Now that you want to develop yourself, we must start looking at these borders and we must start removing the barriers that we have put and have defined us in the past and now hinder us from the being the giant that we should be.”

These words resonate deeply as Africa grapples with the impacts of these arbitrary divisions on its development trajectory.

Africa, a continent rich in resources and cultural diversity, has long been hindered by colonial-era borders that often do not align with ethnic, linguistic, or cultural boundaries.

These borders were drawn primarily to serve the interests of European powers, facilitating resource extraction and exploitation rather than fostering indigenous development.

Today, they continue to impede intra-African trade, cooperation, and socio-economic integration.

The concept of a borderless Africa presents a vision of unity and progress. It advocates for the dismantling of barriers that stifle economic growth and limit cultural exchange among African nations.

Imagine a scenario where goods and services flow freely across the continent, where entrepreneurs can access larger markets without bureaucratic hurdles, and where cultural exchange fosters understanding and solidarity.

Tremendous potential

Trade is a cornerstone of this vision. Currently, intra-African trade accounts for a mere fraction of the continent’s total trade volume, hampered by tariffs, complex customs procedures, and inadequate infrastructure.

A borderless Africa would unlock tremendous potential, allowing businesses to scale up, create jobs, and attract investments that spur industrialisation and innovation.

Moreover, cultural exchange is equally vital. Africa boasts a mosaic of languages, traditions, and artistic expressions that enrich global heritage. Yet, fragmented by borders, these cultural treasures often struggle to reach broader audiences within the continent.

A unified approach would not only preserve cultural identities but also promote mutual appreciation and cooperation among African peoples.

Critics argue that dismantling borders could exacerbate existing challenges, such as security concerns and political instability. However, proponents counter that enhanced cooperation and coordination mechanisms can address these issues effectively.

Political will and collaboration

Regional blocs like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) provide frameworks for collective security and governance, laying the foundation for a unified approach to border management.

In the realm of development, a borderless Africa would enable countries to leverage complementary strengths and resources. For instance, regions rich in agricultural produce could supply food to urban centres experiencing shortages, fostering food security continent-wide.

Similarly, infrastructure projects could link landlocked nations to coastal ports, reducing transportation costs and boosting trade competitiveness.

To achieve this vision, African leaders must prioritise political will and collaboration. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, represents a significant step forward.

By progressively eliminating tariffs and harmonising trade policies, AfCFTA aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. Such initiatives are pivotal in realising president Kenyatta’s call to “remove the barriers” and unleash Africa’s potential as a global economic powerhouse.

Unified giant

A borderless Africa has the potential to drive significant economic empowerment, enrich cultural connections, and elevate the continent to the level of developed regions.

By breaking down the artificial barriers that divide nations, Africa can unlock new opportunities for growth, cooperation, and shared prosperity, setting the stage for a brighter and more unified future.

It requires bold leadership, visionary policies, and unwavering commitment to overcome historical legacies and forge a new path of prosperity.

As Africa strives to redefine its place in the global arena, unity and integration remain indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable development and realising the aspirations of its people.

Kenyatta’s words in 2021 serve as a clarion call for a continent ready to transcend artificial divisions and embrace its destiny as a unified giant on the global stage.

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