Asserts the libertarian head of the Inter-Region Economic Network (Kenya): "Tariff and non-tariff barriers simply thicken the wall that traps Africans in economic poverty. The new African Union chair should push for urgent steps to lower barriers to trade within Africa. Border control agencies need retraining and border country governments need to integrate their processes; long truck queues waiting to cross border points should not be used as an indicator of efficiency. If it takes a loaded truck one hour to cover 100 kilometers; a four hour wait at the border increases the distance to destination to another 400 kilometers. Increased distance impacts on the prices of goods at the retail end hence limiting access to products to majority of Africans. Limited access translates to less freedom of choice - similar to a locked up criminal prisoner. With modern technology, goods should be declared at point of origin and point of receipt. Border points should simply have scanners to verify the content of containers."
He ain't done just yet: "Protectionism, tariffs and non-tariff barriers within the continent sustains African market orientation towards former colonizers. African entrepreneurs are subjected to longer travel schedules due to constant police checks and slow border processes. To fight poverty on the continent, African people would benefit from an African Union Summit that resolves to facilitate efficiency in movement of goods and services. Efficient delivery systems on the continent will tackle challenges of food insecurity, poor health care, conflicts and further promote diversified economies arising from competitive healthy trading amongst and between African nations. Elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade will provide an opportunity for African entrepreneurs to adequately take their rightful places as relevant players in the global trade system."
James Shikwati: "Thick Borders Sustain Poverty In Africa"
