The African continent faces a perplexing challenge. In an era where global connectivity is celebrated, its citizens encounter difficulty when attempting to move within its borders. This issue is deeply rooted in colonial legacies, and contemporary bureaucratic hurdles continue to hinder the continent’s progress towards true unity and economic integration. Africa is a continent rich in culture, diversity, and opportunity and should be a land of easy movement for its citizens. Yet, reality paints a different picture. Despite the rhetoric of pan-African unity, bureaucratic hurdles and hefty costs often turn the dream of free movement within the continent into a frustrating nightmare.
In an illustration of the challenges facing African integration, a recent incident involving Aliko Dangote, the wealthiest man in Africa, has shed light on the paradoxical nature of intra-continental travel and investment. Dangote, holding an African Union (AU) passport, was denied entry into an African country for investment purposes, while his British consultant traveling with him was granted access without issue.
This episode, revealed by Dangote himself in an interview, encapsulates the broader struggles faced by Africans attempting to move freely within their own continent. Despite being one of the few prominent individuals issued an AU passport, Dangote found himself barred due to a lack of a visa, a requirement that was waived for his European counterpart. The irony is palpable: the individual with the means and intention to invest in the country’s economy was turned away, while a foreign consultant was welcomed. This scenario raises questions about the efficacy of current integration efforts and the real-world application of policies meant to foster pan-African cooperation.
Although this problem is not brand new, The legendary Nigerian musician and activist, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, highlighted this problem decades ago. In his book, while discussing the formation of his Kalakuta Republic, Kuti argued passionately for open borders within Africa. He stated, “All African countries should open their doors to Africans from everywhere, especially those in the Americas.” Kuti’s personal experience with bureaucratic hurdles when trying to obtain a visa for his American girlfriend, Sandra, to visit Nigeria in 1970 led to his first confrontation with government officials over this issue.
The AU passport, introduced as a symbol of unity and free movement, appears to have failed in its primary purpose. This failure is not an isolated event but rather a reflection of the daily challenges encountered by ordinary Africans traversing the continent. Despite the existence of regional economic communities such as SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS, and ECCAS, which ostensibly promote free movement of people and goods, the reality on the ground often involves harassment and extortion by border officials. These barriers to intra-African travel and trade stand in stark contrast to the vision of a united Africa, as championed by pan-Africanist leaders like Kwame Nkrumah. His rallying cry, “Africa must unite or perish,” resonates strongly in the face of such obstacles to integration.
The cost of intra-African mobility adds another layer of frustration. Flights within Africa can be significantly more expensive than comparable journeys in Europe or Asia. A quick search reveals a round-trip flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to Johannesburg, South Africa, can cost upwards of $700, while a similar distance within Europe, say London to Rome, can be found for under $100.
Visa fees further compound this financial burden as they further inflate the cost of travel within Africa. A visa application for a neighboring African country can easily set you back $100 or more. In contrast, the Schengen visa, which grants access to 26 European countries, costs around €80 (approximately $90). This disparity in cost not only discourages tourism and business travel but also impedes cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
The justifications for these restrictions often cite security concerns. However, such concerns seem misplaced when juxtaposed with the ease of movement enjoyed by non-Africans. A European tourist can often obtain a visa on arrival in many African countries, while Africans themselves face a bureaucratic maze. This double standard not only undermines the spirit of pan-African unity but also perpetuates a system that seems to value foreign visitors over African citizens.
This system stifles not only personal aspirations but also economic growth. Free movement of people fosters trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. A young entrepreneur from Ghana with a brilliant business idea might struggle to find the investors they need in neighboring Kenya due to visa restrictions. A talented artist from Senegal might be unable to showcase their work at a regional exhibition in South Africa due to the cost and hassle of obtaining a visa.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a beacon of hope in this context. If fully implemented, the World Bank estimates that AfCFTA could raise incomes by 9% by 2035 and lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty. The World Bank estimates that intra-African trade accounts for only about 17% of African exports, compared to 59% for intra-Asian trade and 69% for intra-European trade. Easier movement of people could significantly boost these numbers, fostering economic growth and regional integration. The continent cannot afford delays or half-measures in implementing AfCFTA and similar initiatives.
Technology also offers potential solutions. The implementation of e-visa systems in countries like Kenya, Malawi, and Ethiopia has simplified the visa application process. Expanding such technological solutions across the continent could greatly reduce bureaucratic barriers.
However, addressing this issue requires more than just policy changes and technological solutions. It necessitates a shift in mindset, moving away from the colonial-era notion of African nations as separate entities and towards a vision of a united continent where all Africans are welcome.
The path to free movement across Africa is complex and influenced by historical legacies, security concerns, and economic considerations. Yet, the potential benefits—increased trade, cultural exchange, and stronger continental ties—make it a goal worth pursuing. As Fela Kuti envisioned, a truly united Africa should be one where its citizens can move freely, fostering a sense of shared identity and common purpose.
Until this vision becomes a reality, the dream of African unity will remain incomplete and trapped within the very borders that were meant to define, not divide, this vast and diverse continent. The potential for increased trade, cultural exchange, and stronger continental ties makes the goal of free movement across Africa worth pursuing. However, as long as African citizens face bureaucratic hurdles, high costs, and arbitrary restrictions when attempting to traverse their own continent, true unity will remain elusive. Until then, the dream of a united Africa where its citizens can move freely will remain just that—a dream.