KIGALI, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Strong Africa integration and unification holds key to the continent's accelerated structural transformation and development, experts said on Friday.
"Integration transcends all aspects of life. Strong Africa integration means prosperity for Africans since there will be wide markets for trade, competitive industries and job opportunities for youth," said Donald Kaberuka, former president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), at a panel session on the sidelines of Mo Ibrahim Foundation's Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Kigali, capital city of Rwanda.
Kaberuka urged African countries to work together and promote integration in order to drive the economic prosperity on the continent.
No country can achieve sustainable economic growth without opening up its borders to other countries, said Moise Katumbi, former governor of Katanga province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
"Africa has its own recipe. It's called the continental free trade agreement. We must unite and integrate in order to achieve the strong economic development on our continent," he said at the panel session on the necessity of the African Union.
Africa needs to finance its own development if it wants to take control of its own destiny, said Carlos Lopes, former Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.
"Africa integration should be prioritized by African leaders as they look to ensure that Africa delivers on its promise," said Lopes.
The three-day event will convene prominent African political and business leaders, representatives from civil society, multilateral and regional institutions as well as Africa's major international partners to debate issues of critical importance to Africa, according to organizers.
It includes a leadership ceremony, followed by Ibrahim Forum, a high-level discussion forum. This year's forum will focus on public service in Africa.
Established in 2006, the non-grant making organization focuses on defining, assessing and enhancing governance and leadership in Africa through its four main initiatives including Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Ibrahim Forum, Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership and Ibrahim Leadership Fellowships.
