I.A.M - Magazine - Page 43
“
When people ask where
I come from, I simply say,
I AM AFRICAN.
Every African should feel
comfortable in every African
country. Until that is realized,
then Integrate Africa would
have failed.
How is the AfDB playing its role in helping make this
a reality?
Firstly, let me emphasize that the Bank is not a policy
maker. It is an implementer. From the point of view of
making regional integration known, the projects that the
Bank undertakes are its avenues for promoting regional
integration. Under its High 5s, particularly the "Integrate
Africa” pillar, AfDB actively supports removal of trade
barriers, development of cross-border infrastructure,
and harmonization of policies to deepen regional
economic integration. It finances key infrastructure.
projects—such as transnational highways, railways,
energy interconnections, and digital networks. All which
are essential for connecting African markets and
strengthening governance. Notable examples include
the Kazungula Bridge between Zambia and Botswana,
financed to boost trade in Southern Africa; the
Sene-Gambia Bridge linking Senegal and The Gambia,
which has significantly improved transport and trade
flow in West Africa; supporting the West Africa Power
Pool to enhance cross-border energy access; and
contributing to large-scale infrastructure through the
Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa
(PIDA).
Anchored on its Ten-Year Strategy, the Bank aims to
promote the free movement of goods, finance, and
people, and build regional value chains as the
foundation for a more productive African economy and
to drive industrialization.
The AfDB also supports the AfCFTA by providing
technical assistance, capacity building, and policy
advisory services to ensure member states implement
trade protocols effectively. Furthermore, through its
focus on governance, the Bank supports institutional
reforms, anti-corruption measures, and capacity
strengthening in member countries to build transparent
and accountable systems critical for integration.
Financial integration is another critical area in which the
AfDB has contributed significantly to regional
integration. Africa's financial markets are fragmented,
limiting cross-border financial flows and restricting
access to capital for businesses and governments. By
promoting financial integration, the AfDB enhances the
capacity of African countries to invest in their economies
and support regional trade and infrastructure
development.
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