Zambian president urges end to intra-Africa trade barriers

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday urged an end to trade barriers hindering the African continent.

Hichilema said there is a need for integrated development driven by African entrepreneurs.

His remarks were made at State House in Lusaka where he met Tony Elumelu, chairman of the United Bank of Africa (UBA) and founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation.

"We reaffirmed our view that Zambia was landlinked rather than landlocked and that by enhanced cooperation and trade with neighbors we would grow our economies," Hichilema said in a statement issued by the presidency.

Hichilema, an economist by trade, added that he emphasized the need for Africa to work hard in changing the narratives of the continent from that of hunger and war to that of opportunity and business.

He thanked Elumelu for his philanthropic support around Africa and his involvement in enhancing the economy of Zambia through the UBA and other organizations.