Intra-African Mobility : progress, challenges, and prospects
The Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) report, published by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union (AU), presents a mixed picture of intra-African mobility. While some countries have made significant progress in opening their borders, political and economic obstacles remain, hindering the goal of true continental integration.
Among the notable successes, four countries – Benin, Seychelles, Gambia, and Rwanda – scored a perfect score, offering visa-free access to all Africans. Sierra Leone also made a major breakthrough, reducing visa requirements for 15 countries. The rise of e-visas has facilitated travel, with 26 countries now offering this option, including Angola, which has significantly reduced processing times.
Despite these advances, the continental average score declined from 0.485 in 2023 to 0.479 in 2024. Several countries have toughened their entry conditions, limiting the movement of people. Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Sahel and Sudan, as well as the withdrawal of some countries from ECOWAS, complicate regional integration. The high cost of e-visas also remains a barrier for small entrepreneurs and occasional travelers.
ECOWAS: A model to follow
ECOWAS continues to stand out with its high reciprocity rate (99%) in visa-free travel, making it a model for other African regions. Other blocs, such as SADC and EAC, are also making notable progress, with countries like Angola and Tanzania easing their access rules.
AfCFTA and SAATM: Key initiatives
The report highlights the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in strengthening integration. However, the low ratification rate of protocols related to the free movement of people and SAATM commitments remains a major obstacle to achieving these goals.
Call for political action
The report concludes with a call for a « political resurgence » to accelerate integration. Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of Regional Integration at AfDB, emphasizes that “Africa will not achieve its aspirations without regimes that facilitate mobility.” The implementation of solutions such as e-visas is essential to facilitate exchanges and strengthen integration.
The AVOI report highlights the need for enhanced cooperation among African states to create an effective and inclusive free movement space.
Read the report : AVOI
