fbpx
No Result
View All Result
Nomad Africa Magazine | Celebrating the world's richest continent
  • Home
  • Tourism Updates
  • For Subscribers
  • Destinations
  • Culture
  • More4U
    • Travel Tips
    • News Africa
    • Aviation
    • Special Features
    • Food+Wine
    • Showcase
    • Spotlight
    • Events
    • Tourism Data & Stats
    • Opinion
    • Survey/Polls
    • Watch
    • COVID19 Updates
  • Deals
    • Flights
    • Hotels
    • Tours
  • Shop
  • Login
SUBSCRIBE
Nomad Africa Magazine | Celebrating the world's richest continent
  • Home
  • Tourism Updates
  • For Subscribers
  • Destinations
  • Culture
  • More4U
    • Travel Tips
    • News Africa
    • Aviation
    • Special Features
    • Food+Wine
    • Showcase
    • Spotlight
    • Events
    • Tourism Data & Stats
    • Opinion
    • Survey/Polls
    • Watch
    • COVID19 Updates
  • Deals
    • Flights
    • Hotels
    • Tours
  • Shop
  • Login
SUBSCRIBE
No Result
View All Result
Nomad Africa Magazine | Celebrating the world's richest continent
No Result
View All Result

United Africa: Is a visa-free African future beneficial?

Miriro Matema by Miriro Matema
May 2, 2018
in Special Feature
Reading Time: 7 mins read
0 0
0
United Africa: Is a visa-free African future beneficial?
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

While Brexit recently shook the stability of the European Union, the African Union is planning to break boundaries and welcoming integration through the introduction of a common passport for all African citizens by 2020.

As of last month, the African continent has moved a step closer to having visa-free travel available to all African nationals, with the roll-out of the African passport, part of the ambitious Vision 2063 plan, which could profoundly impact the continent in terms of intra-regional trade, economic development, and regional integration.

In a move that some are calling ‘the makings of the United States of Africa,’ the official African passport was unveiled in July this year at the African Union (AU) summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The AU’s vision is to distribute a single, common visa-free (or visa-on-arrival) electronic African passport to all African citizens, giving visa-free access to all 54 AU member states. Within the framework of Africa’s Agenda 2063, the project aims for mandatory granting of a minimum 30-day visa for African citizens visiting any African country by 2018, and an inspiring goal of a single, continental passport by 2020.

Even more ambitious is the vision for the African GDP being projected to reach the size of the US and EU combined by the year 2050.

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), described the initiative as symbolic and significant, calling it a “steady step toward the objective of creating a strong, prosperous and integrated Africa, driven by its own citizens and capable of taking its rightful place on the world stage.”

Dlamini-Zuma urged Heads of State to create conditions for member states to issue the passport to their citizens, “within their national policies, as and when they are ready.”

ADVERTISEMENT

President Idriss Deby of Chad, Chairperson of the AU said, “These are great steps we are taking. Our Union has great ambitions in order to ensure economic and political integration.

“The passport seeks to create advantageous visa-regimes across the continent and later on create a pathway for a visa-free Africa, under the AU agenda of the “Africa We Want.” (Source: All Africa News)

There are challenges for implementing the plan. There is the risk of widespread economic migration to wealthier economies, such has been the case in the EU. In South Africa, there are already many illegal immigrants who entered the country looking for a better life, and a large number of individuals are not registered and don’t own identification documents.

Historically, borders have been porous and individuals have taken extreme, dangerous measures to enter another country. African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, is suggesting that visa-free travel within Africa could potentially reduce emigration to other continents. It could also hypothetically form a hierarchy of citizens who can afford to travel, and the rich get richer, while the divide between rich and the poor grows even wider. If visa-free travel can truly benefit all African citizens because of growing economies, more work opportunities and better food security, then it is a step in the right direction.

However, advanced electronic border management systems and security need to be in place to mitigate risks of trafficking and crime. There is the risk that open borders allow for easier movement of illegal goods, cross-border infiltration of terrorism, as well as the spreading of disease. The issue of Xenophobia has been a huge factor in integration and trade in South Africa and Zambia. Many African airlines went bankrupt, hindering travel, and there are high import tariffs halting trade. There are also 33 fluctuating currencies in 54 countries, therefore the way united Africans trade will need to be negotiated.

The AU’s visa-free travel vision is challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for the African economy. African countries that have pioneered visa-free travel have reaped the rewards and suggest there is more to be gained than lost. The free movement of people, capital, goods and services serves to assist in job creation and world-class, integrative infrastructure across the continent being provided. This fosters tourism, facilitates trade and investments amongst African countries and strengthens Africa’s place in global trade. Students will have more opportunities to study in other African countries and new skills will enter the market.

Ghana recently took the lead by introducing a visa-on-arrival policy, which allows any citizens of AU member states to visit the country with the option to stay in Ghana for up to 30 days.

It is also worth considering that the passport is a visible symbol of breaking down barriers and creating unity across Africa. Of course, the symbol is only relevant to African people if and when it is available to all as initially, it will only be issued to Heads of State and Government, Foreign Affairs Ministers and the permanent representatives of the AU member states.

Ghana recently took the lead by introducing a visa-on-arrival policy, which allows any citizens of AU member states to visit the country with the option to stay in Ghana for up to 30 days. The Ghanaian Government believes the move will stimulate trade, investment and tourism.

Hannah Tetteh, Foreign Affairs Minister of Ghana said, “Goods and services move because people make them move.

“It’s important to consider how we manage the process of people moving across our continent, with a view to creating greater economic opportunities for all of us.”

Other African countries such as the Seychelles, Mauritius and Rwanda have also enabled visa-on-arrival and have seen an upward trajectory of travel figures, as well as employment, exports and investments. Since changing regulations, tourism in the Seychelles has increased by an average of 7% between 2009 and 2014. Rwanda’s 2013 visa-free policy has also reaped the benefits with an estimated 24% increase in tourism arrivals from African countries and a 50% increase in intra-African trade. According to the AfDB, trade between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased by 73% since the implementation of the policy.

Speaking about Rwanda, Hon. Claver Gatete, Minister for Finance & Economic Planning said, “It should become easier to do business in Africa. A seamless migration policy will boost the local economy and reduce poverty. It well help tourism numbers, and anybody has the right to come here (to Ghana).”

AMB. Sammie Eddicio, Chairperson at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), believes African countries that follow in the Seychelles and Ghana’s footsteps stand to reap the benefits. At the IOM conference in September 2015, he stated, “The term migrants is often seen from a negative perspective, even though there is more to gain from migration than there is to lose.”

“The aim is to enhance the capacities of Africa’s regional frameworks on migration to facilitate intra-regional migration, labour mobility, free movement of persons and integrated border management.”

Africa has one of the highest visa requirements per country in the world. According to the Africa Visa Openness Report 2016, currently Africans need visas to travel to 55% of countries on the African continent. In comparison, North-American citizens need visas to travel to 45% of African countries.

The majority of African nationals have to go through difficult immigration processes, which is often a cost that many simply cannot afford. With the reality of visa fees, visa requirements and immigration processes hindering tourism and business opportunities, the benefits of a unified, open and visa-free continent could open doors to unlimited opportunities.

The driving force behind the passport is to increase trade relations between African nations, where the vast available resources are currently extremely limited to trade. According to the AU, intra-Africa trade stands at only 12%, compared to 40% in North America and 60% in Western Europe, both areas where there is free movement between states and countries. The Africa Agenda 2063 plan is to boost intra-African trade from 12% to 45% by 2045, and raise Africa’s share of global trade from 2% to 12%. (Source: African Union)

The Heads of State and Government of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in June, 2015 in Egypt to officially launch the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA). The creation of a free trade area from Cape Town to Cairo was possibly the most significant event in Africa since the formation of the AU in 1963, and considered a milestone for Africa’s regional integration process. The 26 countries represent 48% of the AU membership, a combined population of 632 million and a combined GDP of 1.3 million Trillion Dollars. The area spans 17.3 million square kilometres. If the TFTA countries were one country, it would be the thirteenth largest economy in the world.

It is a brazen move to merge existing regional organisations into a single African economic community. The question will be whether Africa can mitigate integration barriers.

Fatima Haram ACYL, Commissioner for Trade & Industry, AU said, “Colonial powers divided Africa, but we are better as an integrated continent. Some countries are still sceptical about embracing a borderless Africa, but they need to realise there is One Africa. One Market.

She added, “Today, our young are migrating to Europe. We live in a world with terrorists, ignorance, intolerance and lack of respect of human dignity. These problems lead to extreme actions, but we need to address the root causes of why these challenges are here. We need to have systems in place to address these issues at our borders to allow free movement of people. The proportion of risks is less than the benefits we will get. The whole world has this problem, not just Africa.”

The idea of a borderless Africa and its potential to transform the continent’s economies has received strong backing from Africa’s entrepreneurs and Government.

The countries that have benefited from visa-free policies suggest that the stimulation of open borders in Africa is geared to aid investment in infrastructure and education and will narrow the divide. Careful regulation and implementation plans will be essential to its success.

This article was written by NICOLE LESCHINSKY.

ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

The Brexit effect on Tourism in Africa

Next Post

Vivian Ngwodo: From Banker to Food Entrepreneur – Develops First App Dedicated To African and Caribbean Food in The United Kingdom

Miriro Matema

Miriro Matema

Born in Zimbabwe and living in South Africa, Miriro is a seasoned publishing editor and writer, having worked with leading brands in investment, business leadership and entrepreneurship. Passionate about Africa’s development, Miriro is also a dynamic marketing consultant with 10 years experience working with startups and large multinational corporations. With a heart for travel, Miriro spends her time discovering the nooks of crannies of Africa’s hidden gems, taking the roads less travelled, meeting the beautiful people and enjoying their food and culture. She enjoys tackling complex strategic challenges in the passion-to-entrepreneurship pipeline, particularly focused on the implications of 4th Industrial Revolution and workforce automation on Africa's travel and tourism industry.

Related Posts

Indaba Nomad Africa
Special Feature

Africa’s Travel Indaba will have the Right Ingredients to Rebuild the Tourism Sector – Pinky Radebe

April 11, 2022
How to make smart savings on your business travel in a recession
Special Feature

Business Travel: Bouncing Back?

April 7, 2022
Here Is How To Keep Your Hotel Rodent-Free
Special Feature

Here Is How To Keep Your Hotel Rodent-Free

April 6, 2022
Next Post
Vivian Ngwodo: From Banker to Food Entrepreneur – Develops First App Dedicated To African and Caribbean Food in The United Kingdom

Vivian Ngwodo: From Banker to Food Entrepreneur - Develops First App Dedicated To African and Caribbean Food in The United Kingdom

Please login to join discussion
Amaryllis Hotels Amaryllis Hotels Amaryllis Hotels
ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Recent Posts

  • TIME Hotels Announces Middle East Expansion Plans
  • 20 Unemployed Tourism Students as Tourism Ambassadors at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2022
  • Tanzania: The Royal Tour
  • Farnek to Launch ‘Trendz’ Hotel Management Company at ATM
  • Art From Ghana Goes To Venice
Gallivant Plus Gallivant Plus Gallivant Plus
ADVERTISEMENT

Sign Up For Weekly Newsletter

Trending on NomadTV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2bhBUqVHDw&t=3s
GallivantPlus GallivantPlus GallivantPlus
ADVERTISEMENT

Follow Nomad Africa on Instagram

Follow Nomad Africa

  • #Food #Eat .What
  • #Showcase! Valued for its natural elegance, the history of stone sculpture takes us as far back as to the oldest mobiliary of art. Check out how the Stone sculpture beckons the connoisseur as Zimbabwe’s tourism returns:  https://www.nomadafricamag.com/stone-sculpture-beckon-the-connoi

#Zimbabwe #Stone #Sculpture #African #Nation #Travelers #SubscribeToNomadAfricaMagazineNow
  • #TopDestinations #Discover #Travel. With stunning views across the African continent, The desire to travel and explore is still in human nature. Rediscover The Joy of travel with Shangri La’s 2022 travel bucket list: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/rediscover-the-joy-of-

How has travelling changed in the new world of Covid 19?
.
.
.
.

#NomadAfricaMagazine #How #When #Where #Africa #2022TravelList #Memories
  • #Culture #Significance. Located in The Mother City, you
  • #Culture. African rituals are diverse. This Bull-Jumping ancient ritual in Southwestern Ethiopia will shook you. It turns a boy into a man to prove he is ready to build a family of his own. Read more about it here: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/bull-jumping/

#SouthwesternEthiopia #Ethiopia #Travel #NomadAfricaMagazine #Beliefs
  • #FridayFeatures! As African elephants are threatened with extinction, a lot of work is being done by local and international wildlife conservationists to protect the giant mammal. Are they winning the battle? Read more to find out: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/african-forest-elephants
.
.
.
.
.

#Elephants #Extinction #GiantMammal #Travel #NomadAfricaMagazine #Tourism #Features #Africa #Celebrate #Continent #Magazine #Extinction #Protect #Stability #Unrest
  • Entrepreneurship includes the economic development of tourist areas to create new sustainable businesses while increasing the capacity and willingness of enterprises to develop. Read more about Tourism Entrepreneurs at the Heart of Stellenbosch’s Recovery Plan: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/tourism-entrepreneurs-at

#Tourism #Stellenbosch #Travel #NomadAfricaMagazine #Journey #Acknowledging #Visitors #Initiatives
  • #Norms #Culture!Being no stranger to cultural norms and preserving the roots of ancestors, is undeniable to the eSwatini nation, a culturally unshakable people. Read more: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/eswatini-a-country-thats

What are other African Cultures that still practice their roots today?
.
.
.
.
.
#Mantengalodge #Located #EzulwiniValley #ValleyofHeaven #Lodge #Nomadafricamagazine
  • #Features! It’s no secret that Island water sparkles in Africa, attracting leisure tourists from all over the world. Read more on the race of the Island Nations of Africa leading to travel and tourism recovery: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/the-island-nations-of
.
.
.
.
.
#Africa #Water #Travel #NomadAfricaMagazine #Tourism #Island #Nations #Reports #Pandemic #Seychelles #SuccessfulTourism #counterpart #Strengthen #Mauritius #Zimbabwe #Safaris #Landscapes #blueWaters #Countries #Ocean #Indian #Sector #Hotel #Enterprises #Tour #Clear #Storm #Multinational #CapeVerde
  • Did you know that most of the food that African cultures cook is produced from a farm? In the long run we might want to ask ourselves if small farms are the key to the future of food? : Read more to find out:https://www.nomadafricamag.com/are-small-farms-the-key-to
 
#Food #Farms #African #Cook #SmallFarms #BigFarms #Future #Quantity #nature
  • #Significance #Culture ,The truth behind African cultural sites is that, they do not shake our roots but they leave a mark and connect us from the past to the present, reminding us of where we come from and where we are going. Read more on the Top Eight Cultural Sites in Africa: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/top-eight-cultural-

What are other ways Africans can remind themselves on the origins of their roots?
.
.
.
.
.
.
 
#roots #Culture #Magazine #Travel #NomadAfricaMagazine #Beliefs #Tourism #features #Africa #Celebrate #Continent #Magazine
  • It is frequently asked that, can tourism in Africa be increased if crime is reduced? Do you agree with this view point? Well, read more to find out: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/south-africa-can
.
.
.
.
.
. 
#CrimeinAfrica #tourismIndustry #Growth #Potential #Tourists #Features #Potential #Tourism #Venturing #Crime #Categories #Travel #holidaymakers #Enthusiasts #Attempts #Digits #SouthAfrica #Threats
  • Known as the mother to Accra, Ghana is rated as one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. Have you ever ask yourself if Accra is the greatest City In Africa? Well read more and find out: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/why-you-have-to
.
.
.
.
.
#Ghana #Travel #Destination #Tourism #Africa #Celebrate #Continent #Celebrations #Accra #Growing
  • African dance refers mainly to the numerous dance styles of Sub-Saharan Africa. One African dance that is celebrated by young women and unmarried girls is the Reed dance performed to celebrate a special occasion in eSwatini, Check it out: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/the-umhlanga/

What are other African dances, that are celebrated on special occasion on the different African cultures?

#Beliefs #Umhlanga #ReedDance #Preserved #YounGirls #CeremonialPlace #Maidens #Mswati #Celebrated #Significance #Norms #Ancient #Ritual #Preparation #Virgin #Kingdom #Dignitaries #Continents #Rehearsed #Spectacular #Moment #wholeYear #Outfits #SomhloloStadium #SophisticatedOutfits #Dance #Girls #Princesses #Symbol #Virginity
  • Lets Swing back into golfing getaways and check out 4 tips that will make your golfing holiday more affordable:https://www.nomadafricamag.com/swinging-back-into.../

What are other getaways holiday activities one can do?

#Holiday #Golf #Tips #Affordable #Activities
  • Discover Malawi: The Warm Heart Of Africa:https://www.nomadafricamag.com/malawi-the-warm-heart-of.../ 

What do love about the African Continent?

#malawi #africa #theheartofafrica #wilderness #lodge
  • Looking for a picture perfect romantic trip to Paris, that will make you say oh là là this month of love? well check out the 4 things that one should consider when he/she is on a romantic couples trip with their lover to Paris: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/4-things-that-will-make...

Think outside from the usual romantic actives that lovers usually do when they are out on a romantic trip, and consider other different activities that lovers can consider engaging on! Can you share them with us?
.
.
.
.
.
.
#RomanticWalk #CouplesTrip #Restrictions #Montmartre #RiverCruise #loversPicnic #CanalSaintMartin #RiverSeine #AirFrance #Studio28 #EnjoyParis #PicturePerfect #RomanticTrip #LoveIsInTheAir #Rooftops #BeautifulRivers #ViewsOfParis #BeautifulViews #StunningRestaurants #filmsAndClassics #Food #Drink #Lovers #LoveIsBeautiful #SoulMates #Flowers #AdventureInLove #Planning #Paris
  • We still bracing you with content that exudes love !It’s no secret that Paris is the romantic capital of the world, check out how you can celebrate love at these Hidden Romantic Hotspots In Paris: https://www.nomadafricamag.com/celebrate-love-at-these-hidden-romantic-hotspots

Any Romantic Hotspots that lovers can visit this month of love?
 
#love #Hills #Romantic #sunset #Paris #flowers

Tags

Africa African Cultural Sites African Tourism African Tribes Africa Travel Aviation Bucket list Business Tourism Business Travel Cape Town Covid-19 Covid19 Culture Energy eswatini Ethiopia Exclusive Exclusive Interview Existence Ghana Johannesburg Kenya Mauritius Morocco News Nigeria Rwanda South Africa swaziland Tanzania Top Destination Top Ten Tourism Tourism Africa Tourism Awards Tourism News Tourism Recovery Travel Travel News Travel Tech Travel Tips Travel Trends Uganda Zambia Zimbabwe
Thathomo Property Investments Thathomo Property Investments Thathomo Property Investments
ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT
  • The Project
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Partner with us
  • Invest In Nomad
  • Donate
  • Get In Touch
Call us: +27.[0]10.590.6264, +27.719.130.776, +27.610.817.489 Email: info@nomadafricamag.com.
Send all press releases to editor@nomadafricamag.com.

© 2015 - 2022 All Rights Reserved 2414 Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Designed & Developed by: CreativeMagic Group.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tourism News
  • Features
  • Top Destinations
  • Beliefs & Existence
  • Spotlight
  • Showcase
  • Watch
  • COVID19 Updates
  • Subscribe
  • Login

© 2015 - 2022 All Rights Reserved 2414 Publishing (Pty) Ltd. Designed & Developed by: CreativeMagic Group.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Wait! Have You Signed Up For
Our Weekly Newsletter?

Sign up for Nomad Africa’s weekly newsletter and never miss out on
travel and tourism updates across the continent of Africa. Get industry insights,
travel tips and understand how the latest trends will affect your business.
Learn more about African culture and support tourism in Africa.

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
en English
af Afrikaansar Arabicbg Bulgarianny Chichewazh-CN Chinese (Simplified)hr Croatiancs Czechda Danishnl Dutchen Englishtl Filipinofi Finnishfr Frenchde Germanel Greekha Hausahaw Hawaiianiw Hebrewhi Hindiig Igboid Indonesianga Irishit Italianja Japaneseko Koreanla Latinlt Lithuanianms Malaypl Polishpt Portuguesepa Punjabiru Russianst Sesothosn Shonasl Slovenianso Somalies Spanishsu Sudanesesw Swahilisv Swedishth Thaitr Turkishuk Ukrainianur Urduvi Vietnamesexh Xhosayo Yorubazu Zulu

Add New Playlist