African policymakers, business executives and development institutions have renewed calls for visa-free movement across the continent, cautioning that tight border regimes could frustrate the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The renewed push formed the highlight of discussions at a High-Level Symposium on advancing visa-free travel for prosperity, jointly convened by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission on the sidelines of the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa.
Mobility gap slowing integration
Participants noted that although tariffs are gradually declining under continental trade agreements, visa restrictions still hinder services trade, cross-border investment, tourism expansion, labour mobility and regional value-chain development.
Director-General for Eastern Africa at the AfDB, Alex Mubiru, said liberalised visa regimes, interoperable digital platforms and integrated markets are practical tools needed to convert policy pledges into measurable economic activity. He stressed that evidence supports openness and urged governments to pursue sweeping reforms rather than gradual adjustments.
Access still restricted
Data reviewed from the latest visa openness assessments indicate that more than half of intra-African travel still requires pre-departure visas, a situation stakeholders described as a major constraint on continental commerce.
AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amma A. Twum-Amoah, described visa liberalisation as a strategic instrument for strengthening regional markets and improving collective responses to crises.
Free movement central to long-term vision
Former AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma emphasised that free movement is fundamental to the union’s long-term development blueprint, urging faster ratification of mobility protocols and progress toward a continental passport framework.
Aviation link highlighted
Chief Executive of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Bekele, said aviation connectivity must advance alongside visa reforms, calling for full implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market to ensure seamless travel.
Similarly, Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community, Elias Magosi, underscored the need for trust-building measures including modern border systems, digital identity integration and stronger information-sharing frameworks.
Ghana cited as example
Trade and Industry Minister of Ghana, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, pointed to her country’s open-visa policy for Africans, saying it has already boosted business travel, tourism and investor interest.
Private-sector voices also backed the push. Executive Chairman of the Africa Prosperity Network, Gabby Otchere Darko, urged governments to support the “Make Africa Borderless Now” campaign, while tourism advocate Ras Mubarak called for broader ratification of continental mobility agreements.
Political will decisive
Stakeholders agreed that achieving visa-free movement will depend on coordinated reforms spanning migration policy, digital identity systems and border infrastructure, backed by sustained political commitment.
In a symbolic show of support, participants signed a “passport wall,” pledging to accelerate efforts toward easier cross-border travel. Organisers reaffirmed their commitment to working with member states and regional blocs to advance mobility frameworks, positioning free movement as a cornerstone of Africa’s integration, competitiveness and long-term economic transformation.
