AU Meeting: African leaders restate commitment to boosting connectivity, activating e-visa system

*The African leaders pledge their support for initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, tourism, as well implementation of e-visa facilitation to ease movement of persons and goods across the continent

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

African leaders, representing the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) and Chairpersons of the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as well as Regional Mechanisms (RMs) have met to recommit themselves the continent’s integration and sustainable development.

The Heads of State and Government of the AU at the conference also declared their commitment to advancing integration, development and cooperation within the African continent.

The leaders made the pledge after conclusion of the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of AU Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenyan capital.

Mr. Dele Alake, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, in a statement, also said the African leaders as well agreed on the adoption of a draft declaration made at the meeting.

The Presidential aide stated the leaders vowed to support the operationalisation and expansion of key initiatives, such as the AfCFTA Adjustment Facility, Payments and Settlement System, and Guided Trade Initiative, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and economic cooperation on the African continent.

President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union, chaired the meeting attended by President Tinubu of Nigeria and Chairperson of ECOWAS, as well the Presidents of Kenya, Egypt, Gabon, Djibouti, Libya, Senegal and DR Congo.

The leaders expressed their support for initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity and tourism within Africa, including the implementation of e-visa facilitation.

The African leaders further pledged to champion the ratification of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons to effectively support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agenda.

Earlier in his address, the statement noted President Tinubu, in his capacity as the Chairperson of ECOWAS, presented a comprehensive report on the progress and challenges faced in regional integration.

“He emphasised ECOWAS’ commitment to promoting stability, democracy, and economic growth in Africa, underscoring the sub-regional organisation’s dedication to good governance, rule of law and democratic values,” said Alake.

He disclosed Tinubu, at the meeting in Nairobi, reaffirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to actively combat security challenges, working towards the integration and prosperity of the region.