President William Ruto of Kenya has made a significant announcement, declaring the abolition of visa requirements for African visitors to Kenya, effective immediately and lasting until the end of the year. In a powerful speech delivered at the Three Basins Summit held in Congo Brazzaville, Ruto emphasized the pivotal moment this represents for enhancing trade relations within the continent. This information comes to us courtesy of the Mauritanian News Agency.
President Ruto shed light on the current state of intra-African trade, pointing out that it constitutes a mere 15%, in stark contrast to the 70% trade rate observed among European countries. He voiced his concerns regarding this low intra-continental trade rate, urging for a rapid implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area to address and overcome this challenge.
In his persuasive address, Ruto highlighted the crucial need for African countries to work collaboratively, encouraging mutual cooperation to tackle the myriad of challenges they face together. He illustrated the untapped potential of the continent, noting that it houses 65% of the world’s arable land, yet a significant portion remains underutilized. Furthermore, he drew attention to the continent’s demographic advantage, pointing out that 40% of the global workforce is African, predominantly comprised of the youth.
This groundbreaking move by Kenya is not just a gesture of goodwill but a strategic initiative to boost intra-African trade and cooperation. By eliminating visa barriers, Kenya is fostering a more accessible and connected African continent, aiming to unlock its full economic potential and pave the way for a prosperous future. This announcement is expected to have positive ripple effects, inspiring other African nations to follow suit and contribute to the collective progress of the continent.
