African leaders target 2063 for United States of Africa

Anthony Mothae Maruping, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Economic Affairs, said on Thursday that the Union is seriously considering the idea of adopting a single currency, and passport for the continent.

The aim of the common currency, he said, is to connect Africa through world class infrastructure, with a concerted push to finance and implement major projects.

With the introduction of a common passport in Africa, “We’ll create a common identity for all African,” Maruping said, adding that the common passport would also make it easier for Africans to travel across the continent without restrictions.

Maruping who stated these at the 25th AU Summit taking place in Johannesburg, also added, that it is part of the Agenda 2063 roadmap worked out by the organisation.

He said that the AU has also set the goal of making peace a reality for all the African peoples and ending all wars by 2017.

African central bank governors have already met and deliberated on the establishment of a African monetary fund, but this will be the end result of the Agenda 2063, Maruping said.

Leaders of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi have already signed a protocol in the Ugandan capital of Kampala for the adoption of a common currency in 10 years, said Maruping.

Although many economists and experts concur that the ambitious programme of an African single currency was achievable, the lack of clarity surrounding the issue remains a problem.

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