AfDB President Donald Kaberuka Supports "Visa Free Travel in Africa"

7 May 2014
Content from a Premium Partner
African Development Bank (Abidjan)
press release

African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Donald Kaberuka, alongside two African leaders, on 7 May 2014 in Abuja, Nigeria, launched a call to action for regional integration in Africa. Called "Visa free travel in Africa", the initiative, launched at the World Economic Forum on Africa, means to promote travel across the continent by easing visa constraints.

Kaberuka said: "the African Development Bank strongly supports the initiative, as a key component of its commitment to enhancing regional integration across Africa. Easing visa constraints and removing other unnecessary barriers will contribute to boosting our economies by expanding regional trade". "True integration will take place only if people are able to move freely across the continent and leaders need to take action to make this happen," Kaberuka added.

The initiative was launched by Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, and Dr Kaberuka. President Kenyatta said: "Lack of political will and negative perception should not be allowed to undermine Africa's integration and economic growth."

The AfDB is closely involved in other WEF initiatives in Abuja including those on financing the Africa infrastructure gap. On 7 May, AfDB Chief Economist, Mthuli Ncube, urged Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to synergize and drive inclusive growth in the continent. He made the call during a panel discussion on "Forging Inclusive growth, Creating Jobs". Ncube spoke as a panelist on the topic, "Driving Competitiveness through Cooperation, integration and Economic growth". He said that growth is positive in the region, but inequalities remain high. According to Ncube, if the three countries could work together, it would dramatically reduce the average poverty rate in the Africa region.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.