African policymakers and development institutions are actively advocating for the adoption of visa-free travel across Africa as a crucial step towards economic transformation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This call was prominently featured during a high-level symposium hosted by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the African Union (AU) Commission in conjunction with the AU summit in Addis Ababa. Participants noted that the current restrictive visa regimes pose significant barriers that hinder the growth of intra-African trade, services, investment, tourism, and labor mobility.

Currently, only five countries in Africa—Seychelles, Mozambique, Rwanda, Comoros, and Madagascar—provide visa-free access or visas on arrival for citizens of all African nations. In stark contrast, countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, São Tomé, and Sudan require citizens from all other African nations to undergo the visa application process, which complicates travel and economic interactions. On average, African citizens encounter visa requirements for 60% of their fellow African countries, which significantly hampers potential economic benefits from the AfCFTA.

The implications of adopting a visa-free travel policy could be transformative, potentially opening up new avenues for commerce and tourism, enhancing economic ties among African nations. Such changes could lead to increased investment opportunities and foster greater labor mobility, which are vital for the overall economic integration of the continent. The AfDB and AU's initiative highlights the need for collaborative efforts among African nations to dismantle these barriers and realize the economic promises of the AfCFTA.