Addis Ababa (TDI): The ninth edition of the Africa Visa Openness Report has been published jointly by the African Union (AU) and the African Development Bank (ADB). The report provides an in-depth analysis of the continent’s progressive free movement of its citizens.
The key findings of the report have been compiled below.
The main findings highlight the lack of Visa access for African citizens. The report shows that most African countries still require visas from fellow African travellers. The barrier to regional integration persists as opposed to the great aspiration for freedom of movement and economic integration across boundaries.
In some countries, noteworthy progress has been seen in reducing visa requirements, while in others, a reversed trajectory has been observed. The report gives a detailed assessment of visa openness according to those Regional Economic Communities (RECs) recognized by the African Union.
Moreover, for certain countries, ETAs have made travel possible, but they often resemble traditional visa requirements hence providing little to no relief for the traveler. The report further emphasizes open visa policy is critical to achieving Africa’s development goals. It brings to light the imperative role of the Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), a joint initiative of the ADB and the African Union Commission. The AVOI tracks and promotes the policies within Africa that facilitate visa-free travel across the continent.
At the #AUSummit, the AU Commission & AfDB are driving action on visa-free movement to boost Africa’s economic integration! The Africa Visa Openness Index shows urgent need for progress. #Agenda2063
Read full report here https://t.co/tLel5tGH8C pic.twitter.com/klbsaL9FfK
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) February 7, 2025
The African Union and the African Development Bank Group call on member states to make visa openness a priority policy for implementation. This step is essential in aiding economic growth, promoting tourism, and achieving the overall objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group commented, “Apart from the fact that you need connectivity, you also need to have freedom for people to move from one place to the other. I believe we cannot say we have borderless trade when we put up barriers for people to travel”. His comments reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union to providing ample facilities for citizens to move freely across the continent and overcoming impediments within the framework.
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About the African Union
The African Union is an organization consisting of 55 member states in the African continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (QAU, 1963-1999). The AU aims to promote unity and cooperation among African states, protect each others’ sovereignty and territorial integrity, and develop close relationships with other world organizations in line with the United Nations Charter.
About the African Development Bank
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It consists of three institutions: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). The AfDB’s mission is to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions across the continent by promoting investment in projects that contribute to economic and social development in Africa.
