Easing travel restrictions vital for AfCFTA

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) are designed to work in tandem to create a powerful synergy to significantly drive intra-africa trade and economic development, argued Dr Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment, and Migration in the Social Development Directorate at the African Union Commission. 

However, he told the panel that existing restrictions on the free movement of people in Africa could impede the realisation of this vision.

“Some member states are worried that it could affect sovereignty. There is the issue of security threats that they associate with free movement,” he explained. 

He further argued that some countries were reluctant to scrap high visa fees and streamline immigration procedures because governments had grown dependent on revenues from these services.

He called on African leaders to walk the talk on African unity and embrace free movement of people within the continent.  “In the past ten years we have seen a resurgence in nationalism and protectionism. We always say Europe has stringent visa rules but in Africa we’re also doing it,” he said. 

Andile Mtetwa-Amaeshi, Director General of Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority, underscored the need for political will to definitively address the factors hindering the free movement of people in Africa. 

With proper awareness, leaders could be persuaded to shift their stance on this critical issue.  “The lack of political will is still there because of lack of knowledge of the actual benefits,” she stated.