For Africa to Develop, it Will Have to Abolish its Borders

It's a kind of paradox. Outsiders usually view Africa as one country. And yet, Africa is very divided, both within and without countries. The dream of African independence leaders to create one political federation has all but stumbled. These days, each African country is looking out for its own affairs. How then can unity in Africa be achieved. Is it really possible to have Africa speak with one voice. Ghana's founding President Kwame Nkrumah advocated for an immediate political federation, but he died a man of frustrations. His dreams did not go further. There were others such as Tanzania's Julius Nyerere who urged that there be a gradual integration of the various regions of Africa, before finally having a political federation that would unite all Africans.

Currently, unity is a hard sell. The continental body, the African Union(AU), has acted more as a talking shop than a genuine place where resolutions and action plans are generated. Moreover, it has acted as a forum where African Presidents cover each others backs. So, the continental body has evolved and become a unity of Africa's leaders, rather than being a unity of the African people. Forums such as the African Cup of
Nations or maybe big brother Africa are the only ones where the continent can come together. What's more, there are no common institutions such as universities or the media to enable the continent chart the way forward as one united continent. And yet, there has never been a better time to unite. The problems that encumber almost all African countries are similar. The countries face such common problems as high unemployment rates, insecurity, common diseases such as malaria, and the problem of building uniform but diverse countries.

How best could Africa be united? Just picture that it is very hard to get a visa to another African country. Nigeria's Aliko Dangote said that he needs 34 visas to travel around Africa, when just one visa could do. Intra-Africa trade is just 10 percent, while intra-European trade is 60 percent, intra-North America trade is 40 percent, while intra-Asia Pacific trade is 50 percent.

How can we be united, tackle similar challenges together, and encourage more movement of people and goods within Africa.