The African Union (AU) announced on Sunday, April 27, that it had finalized a draft “strategy” to accelerate the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, as part of efforts to ease travel, residence, and establishment rights of people across the continent. The development, launched in partnership with regional economic blocs, points to steps to harmonize visa regimes, improve border infrastructure, and coordinate migration policies among member states. ALSO READ: The African passport: The missing piece in the African jigsaw AU officials said that the move could, among others, curb challenges that have long hindered Africa’s labor mobility. It is expected that the draft strategy will be presented at the upcoming AU Summit for adoption. “The strategy aims to ensure that regional economic communities (REC’s) and Member States popularise and promote the adopted African Passport as one of the key mechanisms through which free movement of persons will be realised,” the AU said in a statement on Sunday. The African passport initiative was adopted during the 2019 AU Heads of State and Government Summit, with African leaders describing the move as a major catalyst for the Protocol particularly the right of entry. According to AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Minata Samate Cessouma, the implementation of the protocol is expected to evolve through three phases including the right of entry, right of residence and the right of establishment. ALSO READ: Rwanda ready to issue Pan-African passports “33 Member States have so far signed the protocol, and 4 ratifications have been deposited by Rwanda, Niger, Mali, and Sao Tome and Principe. Technical specifications of the African Passport were also developed in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States,” reads part of the AU statement. Rwanda adopted a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of all countries in 2018. This means that travellers can obtain a visa upon arrival in Kigali, without needing to apply in advance. Under the policy, citizens of countries that are members of international organisations such as the African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie are eligible for a visit of up to 30 days in the country. Free movement, Cessouma said, is essential to achieving the AU's broader Agenda 2063 goals for sustainable development. She said that currently, intra-African travel remains restricted, with citizens often facing visa requirements in over 50 percent of AU member states. The AU estimates that intra-African trade accounts for just 15 percent of total trade, leaving a gap of growth if movement becomes easier. While there are potential gains, challenges remain. The AU noted that previous efforts to implement free movement policies have stalled over security concerns, fears of job competition, and regulatory challenges. If adopted, the new initiative is expected to reduce inequalities between regions, and more resilient African economies.
