50 Shapers from 37 African hubs descended on the World Economic Forum on Africa to launch the Durban Agreement on Open Africa, which advocates for an open and border free Africa to drive greater economic integration and cultural understanding.

Shapers decided to focus on openness and ease of travel following an online conversation started by the community, #ShapingAfrica, in the weeks before the meeting.

One of the ways Shapers will seek to build grassroots support for the Durban Agreement is to tour the continent on a specially commissioned bus named Uhuru (“Freedom”), engaging in conversations with communities and leaders. Uhuru’s tour is planned to start in September, culminating at the African Union Summit in February 2018. Details of this trip are still being determined, with a full itinerary expected to be finalized in the next months.

The 2017 World Economic Forum on Africa took place on 3-5 May in Durban, South Africa, under the theme Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership. The meeting convened regional and global leaders from business, government and civil society to explore solutions to create economic opportunities for all.