By Aderogba George
Mr Young Piero, the Africa Coordinator and Director of Parliament Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Joint Session at the AU has called on African youths to take responsibility for shaping the continent’s destiny.
Piero gave the charge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
He explained that economic freedom could not be achieved without a shared agenda and integrated policies that would enable the free movement of African citizens across the continent.
Piero stressed that, the AU talked about economic freedom, “but nations still uphold laws and policies that hinder Africa’s development.
“Import duties for Africans should be abolished, and the free movement of goods, commodities, and people must be prioritized.
“Africa needs a comprehensive blueprint for integrated policies that favor individuals, companies, investors, and industrialization while promoting the free movement of people.
“On the need for a single passport, we can create an integrated Africa. The AfCFTA, for example, is an ambitious agenda, but the free movement of people within Africa remains restricted.
“Regardless of the political systems in individual countries, collective efforts are essential to build a better future for the continent.
“A ‘mine-first’ mentality only benefits one country, not the entire continent. Africa must prioritize unity and shared progress.
“I call on African youth to take responsibility for shaping the continent’s destiny. “Africans must work together with respect and unity,” he said.
He further explained that the AU’s Agenda 2063 will remain unrealized unless citizens actively contribute to this vision.
He added that Citizens must commit to building functional systems, governments, policies, and a unified continent.
Piero pointed out that while the ideal time to implement such policies was 50 years ago, the present is the next best opportunity. “
He also emphasized that without free human mobility, the vision of Agenda 2063 cannot progress.
“Ten years of Agenda 2063 have already passed. It’s time to stand on our feet and harness the power of collaboration.
“A single passport is critical, even if it starts regionally with Eastern, Western, and Southern African passports as intermediate steps,” he said. (NAN)