Addis ababa, April 28, 2025 (ENA) – The African Union (AU) announced on Sunday, April 27 that it has completed a “strategy” draft to accelerate protocols on the free movement of people as part of an effort to ease travel, residence and establishment rights.
The development, launched in collaboration with the regional economic bloc, points to steps to harmonize the visa regime, improve border infrastructure and coordinate transition policies between member states.
AU officials said the move could, among other things, curb the challenges that have long hindered labor migration in Africa.
The draft strategy is expected to be announced at the upcoming AU summit for recruitment.
“This strategy aims to ensure that the regional economic communities (RECs) and member states will be popularised and promoted by adopting African passports as one of the key mechanisms for the freedom of movement of people,” the AU said in a statement on Sunday.
The African Passport Initiative was adopted during the 2019 AU Heads of State and Government Summit, with African leaders describing the move as a major catalyst for protocols, particularly immigration rights.
According to AU Political Affairs Commissioner Minata Samate Cessouma, the implementation of the protocol is expected to evolve through three stages, including entry, residence and establishment rights.
“To date, 33 member states have signed the protocol, with four ratifications being deposited by Rwanda, Niger, Mali, SAO Tome and Principe. The technical specifications of African passports read the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Migration (IOM), Local Economic Communities (RECS) and part of the member states.
Rwanda adopted a visa policy in 2018 that arrives for citizens of all countries. This means that travelers can obtain a visa upon arrival in Kigali without the need to apply in advance.
Under this policy, citizens of countries who are members of international organizations such as the African Union, the Federation, and La Francophony will be eligible for a maximum of 30 days of visit within the country.
Free movement is essential to achieving the AU's broader agenda 2063 sustainable development goals, Cessouma said.
She said that travel within Africa remains limited at present, with citizens often facing visa requirements in over 50% of AU member states.
The AU estimates that intra-African trade accounts for just 15% of total trade, and if movement becomes easier, there remains a growth gap.
There are potential benefits, but challenges remain.
The AU noted that previous efforts to implement freedom movement policies have fallen into security concerns, fear of employment competition and regulatory challenges.
If adopted, the new initiative is expected to reduce interregional inequality and reduce the more resilient African economy.
