The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, called on Monday (May 25) in Maputo for stronger political and economic integration in Africa, stating that continental unity remains essential to accelerating Africa’s development. The Head of State highlighted free movement of people, improved air connectivity, and the development of shared infrastructure as key priorities for the continent.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of Africa Day celebrations, Daniel Chapo said the need for greater unity among African countries and continued investment in regional integration remains one of the continent’s main challenges.
According to the President, many of Africa’s existing borders are “artificial” divisions inherited from the colonial period, which separated peoples sharing the same language, culture, and traditions. For Chapo, this reality requires a more integrated vision capable of accelerating regional economic growth.
The Head of State also emphasized the importance of air connectivity for the continent’s development, highlighting the difficulties of mobility between neighboring countries. “Air connectivity is extremely important for our continent. There are African nations where citizens, to travel to a neighboring country, must first go to Europe and then return to Africa,” he said.
Daniel Chapo also argued that African countries should jointly plan the development of regional infrastructure, stressing that economic integration depends on better mobility and connectivity between states.
The President also highlighted progress made in regional free movement and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), considering these instruments important steps toward strengthening the continent’s economy.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area is a major step. But if one day we had, for example, a single visa or a single currency, like Europe with the euro, Africa could develop much faster,” Chapo said.
The Head of State also compared Africa’s potential to economies such as the United States and China, arguing that the continent has sufficient territory, population, and resources to strengthen its global economic position, provided it advances with deeper regional and continental integration.
Africa Day celebrations also marked the launch of commemorations for the 40th anniversary of the death of Samora Machel. Daniel Chapo described the former President as a pivotal figure for Mozambique, the Southern African Development Community, and the African continent, stating that “Samora Machel was not only a leader of Mozambique, he was a leader of the region.”
