07 Dec 2023

Africans have the power to turn their dreams into reality, including eradicating poverty and establishing a single air transport market, as part of efforts to achieve the Africa Agenda 2063.

Botswana High Commissioner to Kenya, Mr Andrew Sesinyi said this in a documentary titled; Voices of African Dreams at the opening session of the Kusi Ideas Festival in Tlokweng yesterday.

Speakers featured in the documentary shared their dreams and aspirations for Africa, envisioning a continent that was transformed, respected, secure, with sustainable food systems.

Mr Sesinyi said Africa was a continent of freedom and expressed the desire for key facilities such as an integrated high-speed train network and a single air transport market.

He also called for the establishment of an annual African economic forum, envisioning Africa as a continent that has successfully eliminated poverty. National Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stephen Gitagama, opined that Africa needed to transform into a continent where its people could freely move between countries.

This, he said could involve adopting a common language, creating a borderless environment and ensuring a secure and safe continent with fewer instances of diseases.

“We aspire for a continent that brings you joy and excitement. A continent that fulfils my dream of witnessing Africa’s complete transformation into a far superior place than it is today,” he said.
Ms Jinna Mutune, founder of PEGG Entertainment from Kenya envisioned a future in which African creatives received the same level of respect as African scientists.

She expressed her wish for people to recognise the intelligence and talent of both groups, adding that she believed that by creating films and other artistic works, African creatives could gain recognition not only within Africa but also globally.

Tamani Nkhono-Mvula, the CEO at ITN Development Consulting in Malawi said he had a vision for a fully secure continent by 2063.

He said sustainable food systems were important and that every citizen should have access to food.

Mr Nkhono-Mvula said he believed that implementing such systems would be crucial in achieving this goal. Professor Peter Kagwanja of Kenya also highlighted the significance of food security in Africa.

Acknowledging that food security was a multifaceted issue, he said it must be a fundamental aspect of African lives. Prof. Kagwanja also stressed the importance of prioritising food security in discussions and policy implementations.

Nyungu Africa founder from Kenya, Ms Mary Nyaruai wished for a transformed Africa that embraced industrialisation and was a hub of human capital.

The Africa she envisions would take its place as a global powerhouse, surpassing all expectations. She said that by harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth, the continent could claim the 21st century. Ms Nyaruai said she hoped to see the realisation of the dream of a united Africa, a vision held by the continent’s forefathers.

She added that she yearned for Africa to stand tall, showcasing its inherent beauty, novelty, and ingenuity. “With grace and strength, Africa will remind the world of its glorious heritage.

Pan-Africanism is at the core of Africa’s identity, and it is crucial for the continent to embrace it fully,” Ms Nyaruai said. She also said she dreamt of a future where borders between African countries no longer existed and of a continent where visas were unnecessary for travel within Africa.

“The dream for Africa includes abolishing self-hatred and embracing Pan-Africanism in every aspect of life, from how Africans see themselves to how they treat each other,” she said. Ends