African leaders, policymakers, and development experts have called for a push of visa-free travel to enhance intra-African trade for economic development.
At the African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa on February 12, African leaders discussed accelerating the visa-free movement for Africa‘s transformation and integration.
The event underscored the urgent need to remove travel restrictions among African nations to fully realize the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063.
They explained that for Africa to harness the full potential of the AfCFTA, it is important that liberalization of the movement of people, goods, trade, and services is crucial to propel economic activities.
They further emphasized that the seamless movement of people is the backbone of integration and economic prosperity, arguing that visa restrictions continue to stifle economic opportunities for African citizens. Despite commitments to an integrated Africa dating back to the Organization of African Unity and the 1991 Abuja Treaty, significant barriers remain, with Africans still requiring visas for travel within the continent 70% of the time.
For instance, according to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, approximately 45 to 48% of total tourists arrive in Africa, which is relatively low compared to 92% for China 80% for Europe, and, 60% for the Americas. Therefore the lack of free movement in Africa is hindering tourism revenues across Africa.
Nonetheless, the number of African Union (AU) member states offering electronic visas (e-visas) has surged from nine in 2016 to 26 in 2024, making cross-border travel more efficient for business people, students, and tourists.
12 African nations have also adopted visa-on-arrival policies, allowing citizens from at least 35 other African countries to enter with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. However, concerns remain over disparities in airport treatment, where non-Africans often receive preferential entry processes over African travelers.
Mrs Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business, in her remarks, said the central argument for visa-free travel is its direct link to economic growth.
She said the AfCFTA, which aims to create the world’s largest single market, is projected to boost intra-African trade by 50%, increase manufacturing output from $500 billion to $1.7 trillion by 2030, and generate 14 million new jobs in manufacturing and 85 million in the services sector. Therefore these projections hinge on Africans being able to move freely across borders.
African leaders stressed the need for a continent-wide visa-free regime, allowing a young engineer from Lagos to fly to Nairobi for a project without visa hurdles, a tourist from Mali to visit the pyramids in Egypt or South Africa‘s vineyards with ease, while students can freely study in universities across the continent.
This freedom of movement they said would propel the African continent into a better position for future generations.
Ultimately, the African Development Bank, which is the pioneer of the AfCFTA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting visa-free movement, aligning it with its new Ten-Year Strategy, aimed at creating a prosperous, inclusive, and integrated Africa.
Experts at the summit called for bold leadership and collective action to remove visa barriers and urged African leaders to accelerate visa liberalization policies, implement AU-wide passports, and enhance digital travel solutions.
