Enugu, Nigeria — South African politician Julius Malema has once again reignited the debate on African unity, calling for the creation of a single, borderless continent governed by one president, one currency, one parliament, and one army.
Speaking on August 24, 2025, at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader urged African leaders and citizens to dismantle colonial-era boundaries, which he argued have divided Africans for far too long.
“Africa must unite as one people. The colonial borders are holding us back from achieving our true potential,” Malema declared to a packed audience of lawyers, activists, and policymakers.
He stressed that a united Africa would not only strengthen solidarity among nations but also elevate the continent to compete with global superpowers such as the United States, China, and the European Union. Malema further argued that Africa’s wealth lies in its resources, which should be processed locally rather than exported in raw form.
“The minerals of Africa must benefit Africans. We cannot continue to export raw materials and import finished products. That is economic slavery,” he said.
He also proposed the establishment of visa-free travel across the continent, allowing Africans to move freely for trade, education, and cultural exchange. According to Malema, this step is essential to building trust, cooperation, and a shared sense of African identity.
Malema’s remarks sparked wide debate both inside and outside the conference hall, with some praising his vision for African unity, while others raised concerns about the feasibility of merging diverse political systems, economies, and security structures into a single bloc.
