In recent years, Kenya has made significant strides in promoting intra-African trade. Recently, the East African nation unveiled plans to lift visa restrictions for African businesses visiting the country. This move has been lauded by many as a positive step towards promoting continental integration and boosting economic growth. It will be consolidating if many other African countries will follow suit as being adamant will continue to hold back the potential of the African continent to fully exploit its economic potential.
According to the African Union Commission, intra-African trade accounts for only 16% of the continent’s total trade. This is in stark contrast to other regions such as Europe and Asia, where intra-regional trade accounts for over 60% of total trade. One of the main reasons for this low level of intra-African trade is the numerous barriers that African businesses face when trying to trade with other African countries. One such barrier is the restrictive visa policies that most African countries have in place for visitors from other African countries.
Kenya’s decision to lift visa restrictions for African businesses visiting the country is a game-changer for the continent. By removing this barrier, Kenya has made it easier for businesses to travel to the country, attend trade shows and conferences, and explore business opportunities. This idea will swing up the country’s economy as it will record significant increase in the number of African visitors when the visa restrictions are lifted.
Other African countries should emulate Kenya’s example and lift visa restrictions for African businesses visiting their countries. This would be a significant step towards promoting intra-African trade and boosting economic growth on the continent. Here are some reasons why:
Firstly, lifting visa restrictions for African businesses would make it easier for these businesses to travel to other African countries and explore business opportunities. This would help to create a more conducive environment for cross-border trade and investment. It would also help to promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise between businesses in different African countries, which would ultimately lead to the growth of the continent’s economy.
Secondly, lifting visa restrictions for African businesses would help to promote tourism on the continent. Currently, African countries receive a very small percentage of global tourism, with most visitors preferring to visit destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. By making it easier for African businesses to travel to other African countries, these countries would be able to showcase their unique cultures, natural beauty, and tourist attractions to a wider audience. This would help to promote tourism on the continent, which is a major driver of economic growth in many countries.
Thirdly, lifting visa restrictions for African businesses would help to promote regional integration and cooperation. African countries have been working towards creating a single market on the continent, which would allow for the free movement of goods, services, and people. However, this goal cannot be achieved if African countries continue to impose restrictive visa policies on visitors from other African countries. By lifting these restrictions, African countries would be sending a strong message that they are committed to promoting continental integration and cooperation.
In conclusion, Kenya’s decision to lift visa restrictions for African businesses visiting the country is a positive step towards promoting intra-African trade and boosting economic growth on the continent. Other African countries should emulate Kenya’s example and lift visa restrictions for African businesses visiting their countries. This would help to create a more conducive environment for cross-border trade and investment, promote tourism on the continent, and promote regional integration and cooperation. The African continent has the potential to become a global economic powerhouse, but this potential can only be fully realized if African countries work together towards creating a more open and integrated continent.
