The African Development Bank (AfDB) has called on African countries to come together and address the challenges holding back the continent’s growth.
Speaking at the University of Rwanda during the 2nd Integrate Africa Lecture Series, Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the AfDB’s Regional Integration and Coordination Office, identified major barriers to integration, including the difficulty in implementing agreements between nations, restrictive visa policies, and inadequate infrastructure. These, she noted, undermine efforts to achieve the economic and political unity Africa urgently needs.
The lecture series, designed to rally leaders, policymakers, and citizens toward a unified vision for Africa’s sustainable development, provided a platform for reflecting on the continent’s strengths and challenges. Dr. Kategekwa emphasized that integration has always been central to Africa’s survival, describing it as both a political and economic necessity. She stated that, “We must transform our Pan-African spirit into actionable strategies,”
While many African nations have signed agreements to facilitate cooperation, she noted that implementing these commitments often remains a challenge. The lack of enforcement not only stalls trade and collaboration but also creates uncertainty among potential investors and businesses. She further highlighted how restrictive visa policies limit the free movement of people and ideas, thereby constraining opportunities for innovation, skills exchange, and economic growth.
Beyond policy challenges, Dr. Kategekwa underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure to enhance regional connectivity. Without reliable roads, energy, and communication networks, she explained, the movement of goods and services across the continent remains inefficient, increasing costs and reducing competitiveness. Addressing these gaps, she argued, would provide the foundation for deeper economic cooperation and faster integration.
Dr. Kategekwa also urged a shift in how Africa leverages its strengths, encouraging countries to look beyond narratives of crisis and focus on untapped opportunities.
She cited Chad as an example, describing its potential in niche sectors that could drive economic self-reliance if properly harnessed. For Africa to thrive, she said, the continent must recognize and capitalize on its unique strengths instead of allowing external perceptions to define its trajectory.
While emphasizing structural improvements, she also highlighted the critical role of Africa’s youth in advancing the integration agenda. By seizing opportunities in areas such as tourism, events, and conferences, young people could lead initiatives that foster regional collaboration and economic activity.
She stressed that a focus on sectors where Africa already excels could inspire greater cooperation and set the stage for long-term development.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Professor Kayihura Muganga Didas, commended the AfDB for creating a platform to discuss these pressing issues, describing the lecture as an essential step toward achieving a united Africa.
Similarly, the Dean of the School of Law, Dr. Elvis Mbembe Binda, called on African leaders to act swiftly, emphasizing the need for bold, decisive action to overcome the barriers Dr. Kategekwa highlighted.
Concluding her address, Dr. Kategekwa called for collaborative efforts to ensure Africa’s integration becomes a reality. “Africa’s future depends on all of us working together to solve these problems. Let us rise above divisions and focus on building a united continent,” she said.
