High-level strategic dialogue to accelerate visa-free movement for Africa's transformation
Invitation to media representatives
During the sidelines of the 38th AU Summit, the African Union Committee (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AFDB) co-hosted high-level strategic dialogue to accelerate visa-free movements for Africa's transformation. It's there.
Free movement of people across the continent is fundamental to Africa's economic integration, as outlined in the Abuja Convention, AU Agenda 2063, and the AU Protocol on Free Mobility of People. However, despite strong policy commitments, implementation remains uneven.
Africa Visa Openness Index – AFDB and AUC joint initiative tracks progress in promoting visa-free travel. The ninth edition of the index highlights the urgent need for critical action to unlock Africa's economic potential through improved mobility.
This high-level dialogue leverages the AU Summit to introduce successful visa-free policies, address implementation challenges, and promote commitment from policymakers, businesses and local agencies. I'll proceed.
Time: February 12, 2025
Location: Marriott Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Time: 08:30 hours – 17:00 hours UTC +2 (SAST)
The dialogue will convene senior officials, including ministers of African Union (AU) countries, representatives from the Regional Economic Communities (REC), government officials, private sector leaders, think tanks, academics and development partners. The key speakers are:
Ambassador Cessouma Minata Samate, AU Health, Humanitarian Cooperation and Social Development Committee Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President of Regional Development, Integration and Business Industry, AFDB He Wamkele Mene, Mi, Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Nisters Executive Director Rwanda , business leaders in Gambia, Seychelles, Benin and Ghana, Ethiopian Airlines, Ettrade Group, Trademark Africa
This high-level dialogue is strategically important as Africa continues to advance regional integration efforts, particularly through visa-free movement policies that promote trade, economic growth and development. The key topics covered are:
We highlight the benefits of visa-free movements by introducing positive experiences from countries leading the African Visa Openness Index. The role of local economic communities by examining how the Rec framework supports free movement and economic prosperity. A private sector perspective by understanding how visa openness affects trade, investment and business expansion. Policy Insights – Discuss the alignment of visa-free movements with AU Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). Next Step: We will introduce the 2025 visa-free roadshow as part of a broader campaign to drive policy action.
For more information
Janet Faith Adianbo Ochien | Communications Officer – Agenda 2063 | Information and Communication. Director | African Union Committee | Email: ochiengj@africa-union.org
Betty Baisiwa Dowuona-Hammond | Communication Consultant | Regional Integration Coordination Bureau | African Development Bank Group | B.Dowuona-hammond@afdb.org
Innocent Vuga I Communication & Knowledge Management Officer I JLMP | African Union Committee I vugai@africa-union.org
Information and Communications Bureau, African Union Commission I Email: dic@africa-union.org i web: au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
