While the visa-free movement could reduce illegal travel and strengthen official travel channels, there remains a barrier to economic integration on the continent. This was an important topic of discussion at the 38th African Union (AU) Summit.
The dialogue was convened by the African Development Bank (ADB) Group and the African Union Commission (AUC). It brought together trade ministers and business leaders who pointed to Rwanda as examples of how open perimeters can enhance security rather than compromise. However, Rwanda's role in transnational rebellion in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was not addressed through the support of the M23 rebel groups.
“We do that because of our promise to transform Africa and create prosperity,” said Nnenna Nwabufo, ADB's vice president for regional development, integration and business delivery.
“In fact, our new decade strategy (2024–2033) goals are designed around seizing African opportunities for a thriving, inclusive, resilient and integrated continent. Masu.”
Albert Muchanga, committee member of the AU Committee on Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, said in his keynote speech there are four priority areas for opening up the continent.
Liberalizes movements of people essential to trade in goods and services. Implement a strategic framework for key actions to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa. It promotes Africa's economic integration, particularly the common market in Africa, as outlined in the 1991 Abuja Convention. Establish facilitation measures including both soft and hard infrastructure to support people's free movement.
Muchanga said more progress is needed in major continental projects, such as the African Trans African Expressway (from Cairo to Cape, from Dakar to Mombasa to Mombasa) to promote free movement of people. Ta.
Ometere Omoluabi-Davies, the leading regional integration coordinator for ADB's Regional Integration Coordination Agency, has announced the status of play in the visa-free movement in Africa. This presentation highlights the findings from the latest edition of the Africavisa Openness Index (AVOI).
Since 2016, 39 African countries have reported improvements in scores, indicating that visa openness across Africa is at the highest level since the index began. Despite the trajectory, it was observed that there is still room for progress to promote unlimited mobility among Africans within the continent.
Prudence Sebahij, Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, said:
“Ultimately, people traveling for tourism and business always use official channels such as borders and airports. This means that the policy itself cannot contribute to security concerns, rather than smuggling and other smuggling. It means solving the problem of illegal transitions.”
The event featured a roundtable where African policymakers and business leaders shared insights into implementing visa-free moves across the continent.
AU Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba said youth envoy can gain experience through social media and the internet. She said this is important for building the social and cultural integration needed to create a shared African identity.
The 2025 visa-free roadshow was announced by Dr. Joy Kategekwa, director of ADB's Regional Integration Coordination Bureau. Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Employment, Labor and Immigration Divisions for the AU Committee.
Roadshow aims to maintain and mobilize the advocacy for openness and free movement within Africa's broader regional integration agenda to provide better results for all Africans It's there.
