Unlocking Africa’s Borders: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Free Movement
Despite Africa’s rich history of cross-border trade and migration, the dream of seamless travel across the continent remains elusive. The African Union’s Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, adopted in 2018, promised a transformative leap toward easier mobility for Africans. Yet, with only four countries ratifying the protocol out of 55 members, progress has been painstakingly slow. Meanwhile, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has gained much wider traction, ratified by the majority of member states and already reshaping trade dynamics. This contrast highlights both the hurdles and the pathways forward for advancing free movement of people across Africa.
The challenges are multifaceted. Africa’s sheer diversity—with 55 countries varying widely in economic strength, institutional capacity, and political will—makes continent-wide reforms complex. The richest African nation’s income per capita can be over 50 times that of the poorest, fueling fears in wealthier countries about uncontrolled migration and social strain. Institutional weaknesses compound the problem: many countries struggle with basic population registration, identity documentation, and reliable data management. For instance, UNICEF estimated that over half of the world’s unregistered children live in Africa, and only about one-third of deaths are officially recorded. These gaps undermine trust between states and complicate efforts to monitor migration flows and security risks.
Security concerns also weigh heavily. Governments worry about porous borders enabling criminal activities or terrorism, which makes them hesitant to fully open their frontiers. Legal fragmentation adds another layer of difficulty, as migration laws and policies differ widely, with limited mutual recognition of travel documents and professional qualifications. This patchwork approach slows down integration and frustrates travelers and businesses alike.
Yet, the continent is not standing still. The African Visa Openness Index, published annually by the African Development Bank, reveals encouraging trends. In 2016, only 20% of intra-African travel scenarios allowed visa-free entry; by 2024, this figure rose to 28%, marking a 40% increase. Countries like Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles have become champions of visa-free access, offering unrestricted entry to all African citizens. The rise of e-visas, now available in nearly half of African countries, further eases travel hurdles. These incremental gains, though modest, signal a positive shift toward greater mobility.
Meanwhile, the AfCFTA has emerged as a powerful engine for integration. Signed by 54 countries and operational since 2019, it focuses primarily on removing barriers to trade in goods and services. While it does not yet guarantee full freedom of movement for all Africans, it includes provisions for visa-free travel for certain categories of business and professional travelers. This “neo-liberal” or “elitist” approach—prioritizing skilled workers and traders—mirrors successful models from South America, where incremental reforms began with privileged groups before expanding to broader populations.
Such targeted reforms offer a pragmatic way forward. Pilot programs under the African Union and regional bodies could focus on specific traveler categories, such as cross-border traders or professionals, to test and refine mobility frameworks. Formalizing informal traders, who constitute a significant portion of Africa’s cross-border economic activity, could be a game-changer, integrating them into formal systems and boosting economic growth. These pilots would also provide valuable lessons and build confidence among member states hesitant to embrace wholesale reforms.
Capacity building is essential to ensure no country is left behind. Many states with weaker institutional frameworks require financial and technical assistance to upgrade border management, digital infrastructure, and migration governance. Regional cooperation and data sharing can help pool resources and harmonize standards, fostering trust and efficiency. Forums for regular dialogue and experience exchange among African countries can accelerate learning and policy alignment.
Technology also holds promise. Biometric systems, mobile applications, and AI-powered early warning tools can improve identity verification, streamline border crossings, and enhance security without compromising human rights. However, these solutions must be implemented carefully, respecting privacy and avoiding exclusion, especially in countries with limited infrastructure and governance capacity.
Ultimately, Africa’s path to free movement will be gradual and layered. The continent’s diversity and complexity demand a flexible, incremental approach that combines unilateral, bilateral, regional, and continental initiatives. The African Union’s Protocol on Free Movement of Persons remains a vital long-term goal, but its success depends on building momentum through smaller, achievable steps that demonstrate benefits and build trust.
For Africa’s travel and tourism sectors, these developments are critical. Easier movement of people will unlock new markets, stimulate business travel, and enhance cultural exchange. Airlines, hotels, and tour operators stand to gain from a more integrated continent where borders are less of a barrier and more of a gateway. As Africa continues to open its doors, the travel industry must prepare to adapt and capitalize on the opportunities that freer movement will bring.
