African Liberal Parties call for free and fair market without borders

The African Liberal Network (ALN), largest affiliation of liberal political parties says Africa needs to focus on creating a free and fair market on the continent without barriers to ensure development.

The Network made this declaration after its General Assembly held in Accra over the weekend.

The General Assembly was hosted by the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP).

ALN believes countries on the continent need to be open to the free movement of citizens within the continent without visa approval if they are to ensure sustainable economic development.

Even though the Network says “international trade is important for long term growth, but also for decreasing poverty,” it is of the belief that “Increased trade lifts both people and countries out from poverty and contribute to more openness and inclusiveness.”

The ALN also expressed satisfaction at Africa’s increasing contribution to the knowledge economy globally.

“We recognize that Africa is becoming a key player in acquiring, generating and applying knowledge to the different challenges within development,” they affirmed.

The Network is therefore urging African countries to pay greater attention to encouraging innovation on the continent if the continent is to apply innovation effectively in its development drive.

“In order to make innovation play its part in the pursuit for diversification and transformation of the African economies more progress has to be done,” the network argued.

It therefore argued “support in a sustainable way is needed to help African states address their urgent needs such as industrialization, the green economy and job creation.”

“Working towards promoting innovation, scientific research and skills without degrading the environment, that will be vital for prosperity in the future knowledge-based economy.

“Increasing artificial intelligence is something that will change the nature of work for many which means that Africa needs to act now to ensure this technological advancement can be of the benefit of everyone and that no areas are left in technology’s shadow,” ALN said.