On the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit, African leaders tackled obstacles to economic integration, emphasizing visa-free movement as a solution to reduce illegal migration and strengthen official travel channels.
The high-level dialogue, co-hosted by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission, gathered trade ministers and business leaders who cited Rwanda’s experience as proof that open borders enhance, rather than compromise, security.
African Development Bank Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Business Delivery, Nnenna Nwabufo, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to accelerating visa-free movement.
“We do it for its promise to transform Africa and create prosperity,” she said, linking it to the Bank’s new Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), prioritising an integrated and resilient Africa.
Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry, and Minerals, outlined four key priorities for advancing free movement across the continent:
- Liberalizing travel for key trade sectors.
- Implementing Africa’s Strategic Framework for Sustainable Development.
- Advancing African economic integration, especially the African Common Market.
- Strengthening infrastructure and governance for seamless mobility.
Muchanga also highlighted the need to expedite trans-African highways, such as Cairo-to-Cape and Dakar-to-Mombasa, to facilitate movement.
A presentation on the Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) revealed that visa openness is at its highest since 2016, with 39 African countries improving their scores. However, significant barriers remain.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, dismissed security concerns linked to visa-free policies, arguing that investment in robust security systems mitigates risks. “People traveling for business and tourism will always use official channels, making open borders a solution, not a security threat,” he noted.
The event featured roundtable discussions with policymakers and business leaders, concluding with a call to action from AU Youth Envoy, Chido Mpemba. She emphasized that digital interconnectedness among Africa’s youth fosters cross-border collaboration and cultural integration.
The session closed with Dr. Joy Kategekwa (AfDB) and Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi (AUC) announcing the 2025 Visa-Free Roadshow, which aims to sustain advocacy and mobilize action for Africa’s visa openness agenda.
