Burkina Faso’s President, Ibrahim Traoré, has outlined an ambitious vision to integrate the African continent under a single political and economic framework. His proposal, which he refers to as the creation of a “United States of Africa,” seeks to break down existing national barriers and foster stronger unity among African nations.
According to Traoré, the plan would involve the establishment of:
- A single system of government: This would coordinate policies, laws, and leadership to ensure all African countries operate under one centralized structure.
- A unified currency called “Afro Money”: The introduction of a continental currency would simplify trade, strengthen economic ties, and potentially reduce Africa’s dependence on foreign monetary systems.
- A single African passport: This would allow citizens of all member countries to travel freely across the continent without the need for visas, boosting intra-African mobility, tourism, and business opportunities.
Traoré also stressed that Africa’s natural and economic resources should be equitably distributed so that every nation benefits from the continent’s wealth. “No country should be left behind,” he said, emphasizing that true unity must include shared prosperity and collective progress.
This proposal reflects a long-standing dream held by several African leaders and thinkers, including those from the Pan-African movement, who have historically advocated for stronger continental integration. However, significant political, economic, and logistical challenges remain before such an ambitious project could be realized.