The 38th African Union (AU) Summit brings the visa-free Africa call to the forefront, dismantling travel barriers that hinder governments from economic growth and integration of the continent It encourages you to do so. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AFDB) jointly highlight the need for accelerated measures to eliminate visa restrictions that continue to hamper trade, labour mobility and innovation within Africa.
In a high-level strategic dialogue to accelerate visa-free movement for Africa's transformation on February 12, AU officials said that many Africans still traveled the continent with the vision of regional integration in Africa It emphasized the contradiction with the reality that a visa is required to do so. “If Africa itself cannot move freely within its continent, it cannot talk about united Africa. What the government can do,” said Ambassador Albert Mudenda Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals. And it's time to assess what's not working.”
The Africa Visa Openness Index, a joint effort by AFDB and AUC, consistently highlights slow progress in easing travel restrictions. Countries like Rwanda, the Gambia, Seychelles, Benin and Ghana accept visa-free policies, but many others remain restrictive. Over 50% of African countries still require visas for most African travelers, creating a major barrier to labor migrants, business and trade.
Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President of Regional Development at AFDB, stressed that achieving integrated Africa requires “a bold leadership and collective commitment to dismantle visa barriers.” Similarly, Rwandan Minister of Trade and Industry Prudence Sebahij stressed the importance of coordinating trade promotion and freedom movement under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and stated, “The goods move themselves.” Not. People move them.”
To accelerate progress, the AU and AFDB launched a 2025 Visa-free Roadshow, a campaign aimed at attracting policymakers, businesses and civil society to promote visa liberalization. The initiative will introduce success stories, highlight economic benefits and drive political commitments to break down travel barriers. This initiative is consistent with AU's Agenda 2063, which envisions borderless Africa.
As the AU summit continues, promoting a visa-free movement remains an important topic. Leaders are urged to translate policy commitments into concrete actions, and the comprehensive message is clear. People's freedom of movement is essential for Africa's prosperity. By removing visa restrictions, the continent can maximize its potential and promote economic growth, innovation and unity.
Source: Travel News Africa
