NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 30- Business mogul Basil David Anthony has challenged African countries to ensure greater connectivity and accessibility for both goods and people across Africa.
He says this will help create more job opportunities for the continent’s youthful population, currently facing a myriad of challenges including unemployment.
As it is, the Modern Floors Chief Executive Officer who hails from Ghana said it is rigorous and expensive to travel across Africa, compared to other continents like Europe.
He was speaking on Saturday during the Under 40 Champions Summit attended by Kenya’s Youth, Sports and Creative Arts Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba and a host of youth entrepreneurs from across Africa.
The continental summit and awards ceremony are being held in Nairobi.
“Intra-Africa travel is more expensive than traveling outside the continent,” he said. “I don’t want us to just keep on talking. Let us talk. Let us be proactive. Talk is cheap.
The summit happened ahead of the Forty under 40 Africa Awards, which Anthony has been nominated.
He took the opportunity to challenge African countries to make it easier for people and goods to travel within the continent.
In a passionate speech, he highlighted the numerous barriers that currently hinder travel and trade among African nations.
He pointed out that high visa fees, complex application processes, and limited transportation options have made it prohibitively expensive for Africans to explore their own continent or do business across borders.
“Imagine a future where an entrepreneur from Kenya can easily travel to Nigeria or Ghana to explore business opportunities, or where a family from South Africa can visit Tanzania for a holiday without breaking the bank,” he said.
“This is the future we should be working towards—a future where Africa is united, not divided by barriers.”
His call to action resonated with many at the event, including government officials and fellow entrepreneurs.
By removing these barriers, he said African countries can unlock the full potential of the continent, fostering economic growth, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding.
As the CEO of a company with a global footprint, he said he understands the importance of connectivity.
Modern Floors has operations in Ghana, Dubai and other parts of the world.
“We need to make it easier for Africans to travel and trade with each other. This will not only benefit businesses like mine but will also create opportunities for all Africans to thrive,” he asserted.
