Africa Can't Grow If We Keep Colonial Borders, Systems That Divide Us'

Promise Awa, a member of the organising team of the International Conference on Africa's Democracy (ICAD), has said Africa's economic fragmentation and artificial borders remain key obstacles to progress.

He said this at a pre-press briefing on the conference will hold from July 22 to 23 at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

According to the organisers, over 1,000 delegates across the continent have confirmed attendance.

'As an African in Nigeria, I cannot do business freely with someone in Ghana because of over 100 customs checkpoints on the Lagos-Abidjan corridor,' he said. 'Africa cannot grow if we keep these colonial borders and systems that divide us.' He noted that the conference would challenge donor dependency and neoliberal policies that have kept the continent in poverty despite its vast natural resources and arable land.

On his part, Chris Iyama, the team leader, said the conference will focus on creating a permanent platform for dialogue, innovation, and accountability in African governance and development.

'Our goal is to establish a permanent platform for sustained dialogue, policies, innovation, and accountability in Africa's governance and development,' he said.

Iyama said discussions would cover credible elections, stronger institutions, and economic sovereignty to reduce Africa's dependence on external aid.

According to him, key participants will include former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

He said Prof. Patrice Lumumba will deliver the keynote address, while Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, former AU Ambassador to the United States, will give a special speech.

Iyama described ICAD 2025 as 'a convergence of the old, the new, and the future of African leadership,' adding that it would help shape Africa's governance narrative.

Cover photo: Artificial intelligence images