Former African Union Commission Chair and current Chair of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN) advisory council, H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has called on African countries to unite and create a borderless Africa.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026, she emphasized that some countries on the continent have already shown that this is possible.
H.E. Dlamini-Zuma cited examples of countries like Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia, which have successfully removed borders, resulting in increased trade and no significant increase in crime rates.
She urged African leaders to commit to making borderless Africa a reality, emphasizing the need for inclusive innovation, meaningful collaboration, and expanded trade.
“As we begin our dialogue in 2026, we must commit to simplified trade regimes, moving from pilot projects to continental norms,” she said.
Dlamini-Zuma also stressed the importance of designing cross-border payments, logistics, and digital trade platforms for small businesses, rather than just large banks and corporates.
She called on governments to remove tariffs and non-tariff barriers, and for the private sector to procure from small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), women, and youth. Financial institutions were also urged to be transparent and accountable in their dealings, ensuring that capital reaches those driving inclusive growth.
“We should consider implementing a law that requires financial institutions to disclose how much of their capital goes to youth, women, and small and medium enterprises.”
To her, empowering these groups within Africa’s single market, innovating with purpose, and collaborating without borders can unite hope and create a brighter future for the continent’s young people.
By doing so, we can send a clear message that their future lies in Africa, not in perilous journeys across the Sahel and Mediterranean. Let’s build an Africa where young people aspire to live, thrive, and contribute, rather than escape.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region
