Prof. P. L. O. Lumumba, lawyer and former Director of the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission, has delivered a powerful call for African leaders and citizens to move beyond symbolic agreements and implement the continent’s long-standing vision for unity and a borderless Africa.

Speaking during the launch of “Make Africa Borderless Now” Movement, as part of the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Friday, 6th February, 2026, Prof. Lumumba commended Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, founder and executive chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network (APN), for establishing the platform and lauded network's CEO and the Advisory Board Chair, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, for their efforts in organizing the conference.

Lumumba expressed frustration at the recurring failure of African leaders to follow through on commitments. “Politicians read speeches and walk away. We have been too nice to them for too long,” he said, urging accountability and action. He emphasized that Africa cannot achieve its potential while political leaders fail to implement protocols, treaties, and agreements.

Reflecting on the continent’s history, Lumumba highlighted the enduring relevance of Kwame Nkrumah’s vision for a united Africa. He recalled how, shortly after Ghana’s independence in 1957, Nkrumah convened regional meetings promoting a borderless continent, a vision that remains largely unrealized decades later. “Africa left Addis Ababa weak and disunited,” Lumumba said, pointing out the continued divisions into Anglophone, Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabophone blocs.

Prof. Lumumba stressed that Africa’s challenges—conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel—cannot be ignored in discussions about a borderless continent. He criticized African reliance on foreign powers for solutions, highlighting the urgent need for self-reliance, innovation, and youth empowerment.

The former anti-corruption chief also underscored the continent’s youth potential, noting that millions of young Africans are forced to migrate due to a lack of opportunities. “The question is: are we creating the environment for them to innovate, invent, and thrive?” he asked, urging African governments to establish visa-free travel, a single currency, and a unified identity.

Prof. Lumumba declared: “It is up to us to liberate Africa. Let us say no to visas, no to division, yes to unity. It can be done. It must be done. We must have a borderless Africa.”