The aspiration number two of agenda 2063 envisions an integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of African renaissance. Aspiration 5 envisions an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics by the African Union.
To achieve the aspirations of Africans seeing themselves as one people united under the ideals of Pan Africanism, the physical and invisible barriers that have prevented the integration of Africa’s people need to be removed.
The agenda 2063 flagship project- the African passport and free movement of people, aims to remove restrictions on Africans’ ability to travel, work and live within their own continent. The initiative aims at transforming Africa’s laws which remain generally restrictive on movement of people despite political commitments to bring down boarders by member States to enhance free movement of all African citizens on the African continent.
This is the reason why the Chairman of Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development Odrek Rwabogo asks why a Ugandan needs a visa to enter Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo or any other country in Africa.
” When we integrate our logistics by water, land, air and when the private sector speaks with a united voice governments respond but the continental free trade area will only work if we deliberately remove obstacles that slow down movement, production and opportunity, said Odrek Rwabogo at the ongoing International Business Week at Speke resort Munyoyo. Africa’s future will not be built through isolation but shaped by how boldly we open up one another, added Odrek Rwabogo