Day: June 30, 2023

Kenya has decided to open its doors to all African citizens looking to travel for business purposes. This decision is a step towards fostering economic inclusion on the continent and upholding human rights.

In order to benefit from economic globalization, states have a general interest in fostering cross-border mobility. This is because it permits cross-border trade in products, services, and capital, which promotes economic expansion and progress. However, due to security concerns, most governments are selective in granting visa-free travel. This means that visiting specific nations may be difficult for citizens of certain countries.

Public response to Kenya’s decision

Kenya’s decision to remove visa restrictions for Africans traveling for business has sparked a range of reactions on Twitter. The majority of respondents have called for a more borderless Africa, praising the Kenyan government for its progressive move and urging other African nations to follow suit.

Some individuals have gone even further, advocating for the complete removal of visa restrictions for all purposes, not just for business. They question why Africans should require visas to visit other African countries when examples like the Schengen Agreement demonstrate the benefits of visa-free travel. These voices argue that a more open approach will enhance trade, economic growth, and unity across the continent.

Twitter users have also referenced the Africa Visa Openness Index Report 2022 from the African Development Bank, which shows that only three countries — Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles — currently offer visa-free access to all African nationals. The Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) measures the extent to which African countries are open to visitors from other African countries. The index analyses each country’s visa requirements to show which countries on the continent facilitate travel to their territory. The 2022 report shows progress in visa openness in Africa, with 10 countries improving their score and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. This statistic reinforces the sentiment that Kenya’s decision is a significant step towards greater regional integration and inclusivity.

However, it is important to note that some concerns have been raised regarding potential abuses of this opportunity, particularly by individuals from certain countries where there exists a strong stereotype of criminals and scammers, even if this is not always the case.

These Twitter users suggest that measures should be implemented to prevent the influx of individuals engaging in illegal activities such as drug trafficking and scams. They argue for the need to strike a balance between facilitating open borders and ensuring appropriate checks and controls to maintain security and protect the integrity of the system.

In September 2022, Judicaelle Irakoze, an award-winning Afro-political feminist, ignited a substantial discussion on Twitter by advocating for the abolition of visas for Africans within Africa. Her tweet sparked further deliberation on the topic.

Economic inclusion and human rights

In research conducted by Mathias Czajka and Eric Neumayer on Visa restrictions and economic globalization for the London School of Economics, they say that visa restrictions are most economically harmful to poorer countries. This is because these countries are more reliant on tourism, trade, and foreign investment for economic growth and development. The study also found that some of the deterred flow of tourists, goods and services, and capital are redirected to other visa-free destinations. This means that countries that do not have visa restrictions may benefit from increased tourism, trade, and investment as a result of visa restrictions in other countries. Kenya’s decision to open its doors to business persons from Africa aligns with these findings, as it promotes economic inclusion and extends opportunities to individuals of African descent.

The move to welcome African entrepreneurs not only stimulates Kenya’s economy but also fosters economic growth and development across the wider African region. By facilitating cross-border trade and encouraging business collaborations, Kenya establishes a network of economic opportunities that can lead to shared prosperity. This approach recognizes that economic development is not a zero-sum game but rather a collective effort that benefits all participants. Consequently, as business people of African descent contribute to Kenya’s economy, they also contribute to the advancement of the entire African continent.

In addition to economic benefits, Kenya’s decision empowers marginalized communities by providing them with opportunities to establish businesses, create jobs, and improve their economic circumstances. By offering a supportive environment, Kenya enables individuals and communities to break free from cycles of poverty and marginalization, thereby advancing their human rights.

The decision also promotes social cohesion and cultural exchange within Kenyan society by embracing African entrepreneurs. It fosters diversity, understanding, and an appreciation of different cultures, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and tolerant society. The interactions between Kenyans and African entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds could enrich society, challenge stereotypes, and create a more harmonious social fabric.

Kenya’s decision to freely open its gates to business persons of African descent aligns with key principles of human rights — acknowledging the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. It demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to upholding human rights as enshrined in international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

While these differing opinions exist about Kenya’s decision, overall, the response on Twitter indicates strong support for Kenya’s decision and the idea of a more borderless Africa. The prevailing sentiment is that removing visa restrictions would not only facilitate travel and trade but also foster unity and cooperation among African nations, leading to enhanced economic growth and development across the continent.

Source: Global Voices

Ethiopia is a pioneer of China-Africa cooperation as the Ethio-Djibouti Railway has set a successful model of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Ambassador Zhiyuan said.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the “Belt and Road Initiative” at Furi-Lebu Railway Station in Addis Ababa today, China’s Ambassador Zhao Zhiyuan said that the Ethio-Djibouti railway has set a successful model as China and Ethiopia cooperation has been strengthening.

During the past five years, the two countries have collaborated closely and made remarkable achievements, he added.

“In recent years, China remains number one source of foreign direct investment of Ethiopia and Ethiopia is a pioneer of China-Africa Cooperation.”

According to him, all these achievements are the pillars for China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and vivid demonstration of the profound friendship.”

Transport and Logistics Minister, Alemu Sime said the initiative has expanded and broadened the scope of cooperation over the past 10 years and its essence enriched and deepened in practice.

It has not only brought tangible cooperation dividends to the participating parties but also contributed to the world’s wisdom and strength to address challenges, create opportunities and strengthen confidence, he added.

The minister stated that Ethiopia and China have been cooperating closely in the field of transportation, especially in the construction of transportation infrastructure; and the two countries have complemented each others advantages, showing great potential of development.

In particular, Alemu said that the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, a landmark railway line connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti as a flagship project under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, an important early harvest of China-Africa cooperation.

For the minister, the project has played an important role in promoting the economic and social development of Ethiopia and improving people’s living standards.

Ethio-Djibouti Railway CEO, Abdi Zenebe said the Ethio-Djibouti railway is the best example of the initiative’s success.

The Belt and Road project has become an open and inclusive mutually beneficial and win-win international cooperation platform.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Minister of Government Communication Service, Legesse Tulu called on the media and communication practitioners to perform their duties extraordinarily in the nation’s endeavors to ensure lasting peace and development.

Speaking at the annual conference of federal and regional media and communication institutions which is underway in Adama city, the minister said that major achievements have been gained in all fields during the financial year.

The minister also noted that the mass media and communication experts have played a greater role in maintaining the peace and stability of the country.

Beyond outstanding achievements they have made in the efforts of peace and stability, media practitioners have also participated in registering results in all spheres, Legesse pointed out.

Mentioning the positive role media and communication experts have played, Legese stressed the need for coordinated and intensive information and communication work in the future.

The minister further emphasized that media and communication experts should outperform their duties as part of ensuring lasting peace and development in Ethiopia.

Noting the spread of fake news and disinformation through various social media platforms and other streams have been steadily increasing, the minister said more effort is needed in the future to disseminate fast and accurate information to the people.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Minister of Peace Binalf Andualem emphasized that building a national consensus on national interests and common values is critical to sustain lasting peace and build a strong economy in Ethiopia.

A panel discussion organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace was held at the Capital Hotel under the theme: “National Values for National Consensus”.

The importance of protecting the national interest and common values of the country have been thoroughly discussed at the panel discussion for Ethiopia’s strong nation state building endeavors.

In his keynote address to the panel discussion, Binalf mentioned that Ethiopia is a country with tremendous diversities like linguistic, religious and cultural values as well as political ideologies, among others.

However, the minister said that Ethiopia has seen odd and unpleasant practices which have been widely observed and undermined the nation state building process.

“Although our diversities are the colors of our solidarity, in the long journey of building the Ethiopian state, problems have been encountered eroding the national values to the extent of as threatening the existence of the country.”

Binalf underscored that suchcontradictions which deviate from the values of Ethiopia have resulted in the proliferation of complex problems and endanger the existence of the country.

To this end, building a national consensus on national interests, common identity and common values are critical to sustain lasting peace and establish strong economy in Ethiopia, the minister urged.

Noting that a nation building endeavor is a process and not completed all at once, the minister said the problems are bound to become an obstacle in protecting the national interest of the country.

He added:”We need to create a consensus on important national issues in order to protect the values we have built and protect the sovereignty and interest of the country.”

Succeeding in building national consensus on the national interests, common values and identity of the nation will enable us to establish a strong country, he pointed out.

He also emphasized the role of religious leaders and elders to exploit our social assets and cultural values to the noble causes.

Ethiopian News Agency, Chief Executive Officer, Seife Derebe on his part stated that the our ability to create a national consensus on major national issues would have paramount importance to sustainable peace and development in the country.

As Ethiopia is endowed with many values and a manifestation of consistence, the CEO said that diversity should not be a cause of fear and doubt, but a cause for beauty and strength.

The CEO finally reiterated that the Ethiopian News Agency will continue to work on issues of building national consensus, framing all matters under the umbrella of the national interest of Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Nation building can be strengthened when there is consensus on national interest and efforts are expended on it, panelists said.

A panel discussion organized by the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) and Ministry of Peace under the theme: “National Values for National Consensus” was held today.

At the panel, the importance of national interest for nation building, national identity for strong national unity, and promoting national values for solidarity were thoroughly discussed. Presenting a paper on the national interest for nation building, Ethiopian Diaspora Service Director-General, Mohammed Idris, said the level of nation building and types of national interest differ from country to country.

Noting the importance of national interest in nation building, he added that “a country is built by society, and the benefit of society is protected by the country.”

According to him, there will be no national interest without the success of nation building, and there will be no social benefit without the success of national interest.

The failure to focus on national interest will result in the loss of internal capacity, internal conflict, and exposure to external forces.

Addis Ababa University lecturer, Kairedin Tezera who presented a paper on national identity for national unity stressed that national identity is essential for a strong state.

“The sources of our country’s lack of peace are related to lack of national common understanding and strong state-nation formation one way or the other,” he said.

Lasting peace and political stability exists when the majority of citizens have a close understanding of the country’s affairs, according to the panelist.

Moreover, it has been proven that when the issue of identity is not managed properly and institutional and policy-based political and economic solutions not tailored to it, this can be a cause of conflict.

Carrying out development works that strengthen national identity, peace and security work and confidence-building is crucial.

Nation building that is beyond the building of institutions, is non-material but extremely important, and involves building the spirit of common solidarity, unity, ownership in the minds of every citizen, Kairedine underlined.

Dire Dawa University Peace and Law lecturer, Rob Petros said it’s important to use the various national values for unity and peace in the country.

He said that we should “realize that our values are the source of peace in our nation, and our unity is our beauty.”

The lecturer noted that mega projects such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have the potential to enrich national consensus and are also expressions of common values, unity and sovereignty.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

At least 910, 000 plots of land will be made available across the country by 2027, the minister of Public Works, Urban Planning and Housing, Carlos Alberto dos Santos said on Thursday.

Delivering his speech at the mobility project award ceremony for the provinces of Zaire, Bengo and Luanda, held in Nzeto, northern Zaire province, the minister said the move is part of the self-construction programme aimed to reduce the housing deficit estimated at 2.2 million of units.

He said the programme will benefit many citizens, mainly young people.

The minister recalled the ongoing construction project of 3,000 homes for the province of Zaire, including 1,500 for the municipality of Mbanza Kongo and the same number for Soyo.

The mobility project in the provinces of Zaire, Bengo and Luanda is part of the rehabilitation of 93 kilometers of road in these three regions of the country.

The overall package of this project, estimated at 127.2 million euros, includes revamp of Cacuaco/Kifangondo (Luanda) section, in charge of construction firm Mota-Engil Angola, SA and supervised by DAR Angola

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)