Despite Africa's burgeoning high-tech sector and ambitious continental trade plans, an outdated border system and restrictive visa policy are poised to spend an estimated $80 billion lost economic potential on the continent over the next decade.
A recent report from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that aviation growth in Africa is being hampered by paper-based travel protocols, inconsistent visa regimes and fragmented airspace. Despite the population exceeding 1.4 billion, only 3% of the world's air traffic passes through Africa. In contrast, individual airlines in Europe and Asia often outperform passenger figures across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) promise to consolidate, but implementation is still slowing. Countries like Rwanda and Ghana accept digital border systems and e-Visa, while other countries, including Nigeria, simply deploy automated systems at their chosen entry points.
Visa barriers remain a major obstacle. 47% of travel within Africa still require a pre-located visa, which undermines the goal of free movement. Currently, only Benin, the Gambia, Rwanda and the Seychelles currently provide visa-free access to all African citizens. Experts warn that without emergency investments in digital identity infrastructure, interoperable systems and better airline collaboration, the aviation sector in Africa will remain fragmented and uncompetitive. “If you can trade across borders with QR codes, you should be able to fly them easily,” said Tobi Adesanya, an air travel consultant.
