I hail the signing of the Kigali Declaration on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area at the 10th Extraordinary Summit of the Assembly of the African Union in Kigali, Rwanda.

This is a progressive way forward. We cannot allow colonial boundaries and prejudices keep us apart anymore. It is a generational mandate that we shake of the yoke of colonialism and imperialism, and start to do business on our own in our own terms. Gone are the days that Africa is a source of raw materials but fails to process and manufacture its own goods.

The remaining challenge on our continent is to do with disputed elections, neglected citizens, conflict and violence. I do hope and pray that the spirit of unity and progress exhibited by our leaders, will be reinforced in individual nations, where communities are broken and hurt. You cannot unite a continent made up of broken countries.

Let us work for the healing and unity of our nations, together we can build a prosperous, border free continent, with one currency, in which no citizens will feel like a stranger.

I salute President Paul Kagame for a job well done, in hosting the 10th Extraordinary Summit of the Assembly of the African Union. Rwanda the last born of Africa, who suffered so much pain and tears, is not known or characterised by what she suffered, rather, she is hailed as a trailblazer in leadership, excellence of organisation and role model on the continent.

The historic signing of the Continental Free Trade Area agreement confirms Africa’s time is now. Without doubt this moment development will help catapult and boost trade within the continent and beyond.

Indeed this is the time for Africa!

Mayibuye Africa !!!

God bless Africa.God bless you.

Nelson Chamisa
MDCT President