African states should open borders to allow trade

The call by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to African countries to open their borders for trade is laudable, timely and long overdue.

The continent has for long confined itself to colonial boundaries that have hampered its economic potential and frustrated unity.

Africa has lagged behind in development yet it is endowed with natural resources, which sadly benefit other parts of the world.

It is a pity that though there has been an effort by African countries to boost trade by setting up regional economic communities, the arrangements exhibit narrow patterns of trade.

Most of our borders are closed while the few in integrated blocks are overly restrictive.

This scenario is the reason why businesses on the continent cannot expand and is to blame for stagnant economies.

It beats logic why it has been difficult to open borders across Africa for the free flow of goods and trade. It is surprising to note that it is easier for someone to travel across Europe than it is for an African businessman to travel from one country to another in Africa.

Export strategy

There is thus need for the continent to create our export strategies and focus strongly on intra-African trade where there is immense potential to conquer the world market.

And despite pronouncements of support by politicians for regional economic ties, there has been slow implementation of regional integration agreements aimed at eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers in the region.

Part of the challenge to the minimal trade within the continent is the state of its infrastructure. Railway and road links are in bad shape and the few good ones are often those leading towards the ports where goods find their way outside the continent.

We echo Raila’s call for open borders and relaxation of immigration rules as this would enhance easy movement of people and goods without slapping punitive charges on them. Open border trade will spur faster economic growth, provide greater opportunities and act as a springboard to integrate into the world economy.

A more open continent will further build credibility for Africa’s products and, in the long run, lead to greater access to world markets.