Let’s reduce trade barriers, Uhuru tells Abuja panel

Kenya has called on African countries to work together in lifting trade barriers across the continent.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum on Africa, President Uhuru Kenyatta said this would help the continent achieve its development goals, adding that imposing stiff regulations and cumbersome visa requirements to African investors slows down growth.

“Lack of political will and negative perception should not be allowed to undermine Africa’s integration and economic growth,” President Kenyatta said.

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

The World Economic Forum on Africa opened on Monday in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.

President Kenyatta is in Abuja for a three-day state visit, during which Kenya and Nigeria will sign several bilateral agreements on trade and investment.

As the current chair of the East African Community, President Kenyatta shared with the panel the various steps the region has taken to improve trade among member states.

The achievements include introduction of a single tourist visa, which for instance encourages free trade within EAC, and use of national IDs within the region, which eases cross border trade.

Speaking during the forum, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame applauded President Kenyatta’s efforts, saying that opening up countries for intra-African trade has many benefits.

Malian Prime Minister Moussa Mara urged other African countries to emulate EAC’s efforts to facilitate free movement, hence promote trade.

The session was moderated by African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka.