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radioJemima Agyare discusses the idea of a common African identity
No, I'm not talking about a new football team but the shared common identity of all Africans. This identity is not based on skin colour or ethnic background but on a level of respect and appreciation of Africa and its people.
Historically and presently African societies have been characterised by division. This has inhibited the formation of a shared African identity. These divisions have hindered us and have been one of the major contributing factors to Africa's arrested social, economic and political development. I do feel that we need to take a step back, look at where we are as a people and realise that these divisions, some imposed as an historical legacy and others self-created, have stifled our progress. As Africans we should celebrate our rich, diverse cultural heritage that adds to the uniqueness of our great continent instead of focussing purely on the negatives.
The development of a common African identity is not a new idea by any means. I am merely re-iterating the sentiments of one of the world's most renowned and influential pan-Africanists, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He was a visionary who had conceived a united economic and political Africa well ahead of his time. As a self-confessed pan-Africanist I feel it is my responsibility to take the baton, run with the vision and extend it to the next generation.
You may think that I am writing as an idealist but I do sincerely
believe that a united Africa is an attainable and desirable goal. The
sooner we start to recognise and appreciate what we have been blessed
with as a people, the sooner the rest of the world will have to stand
up and take notice! 
Jemima Agyare is a doctoral researcher and politics tutor at The University of Nottingham. Her research investigates the politics and governance of genetically modified agriculture in Africa, focussing on its potential to benefit the poorest. Her main research interest is the intersection between science, technology and development.
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African Unity is fundamental to the entire concept of African development. For more than 500 years, Africans have been subjugated and remain citizens of the most backward, under-developed and deprived continent on the face of the Earth. Interestingly enough, Africa is also the one continent with the most sub-divisions in terms of differing national boundaries than any other region on Earth. Surely these divisions, which are the result of a de-stabilising colonial past are the greatest extant barriers to the promotion of African Unity. Anyway, I believe the first step in the process is the eradication of tribalism and the development of a common African identity. It is the development of this common identity that will begin to break down barriers and foster the unity that will enable the development of all Africans. In the same way that the identity and unity of purpose of India, China and Japan has brought these nations true progress and development. Well done Jemima.