African Union calls for visa-free movement to boost regional integration

At the 38th African Union (AU) Summit, African leaders and institutions have prioritized a visa-free continent. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) jointly urged the removal of visa restrictions hindering regional integration, trade, and economic development.

During the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Accelerating Visa-Free Movement for Africa’s Transformation, AU officials, policymakers, and business leaders emphasized the need for free movement across the continent. Ambassador Albert Mudenda Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, highlighted visa restrictions as a major barrier to intra-African trade.

The Africa Visa Openness Index, a joint initiative by AfDB and AUC, shows slow progress in easing travel restrictions, despite frameworks like the AU Free Movement Protocol and Agenda 2063’s vision of a borderless Africa. While countries such as Rwanda, The Gambia, Seychelles, Benin, and Ghana have embraced visa-free policies, many remain restrictive.

“The vision of an integrated Africa will not happen by chance. It requires bold leadership and collective commitment to dismantle visa barriers,” said Nnenna Nwabufo, AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery.

Currently, over 50% of African nations require visas for most Africans, hampering labor migration, business, trade, and innovation. Prudence Sebahizi, Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, stressed that free movement must be the backbone of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

To accelerate efforts, the AU and AfDB announced the 2025 Visa-Free Roadshow, aiming to engage policymakers, businesses, and civil society in promoting visa liberalization across Africa. The initiative will showcase success stories, highlight economic benefits, and push for political commitments to ease travel.

As the AU Summit continues, visa-free movement is expected to remain a focal point, with leaders urged to align policy commitments with concrete actions. The AU’s message is clear: facilitating free movement will drive Africa’s prosperity.

Credit: African Union