Is Africa’s Regional Integration at Risk?

Despite the ambitious goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), recent events highlight the ongoing challenges to regional integration in Africa.

C?te d’Ivoire’s decision to temporarily impose visas on its passport holders travelling to Morocco from September 1, 2024, highlights the tension between national security and regional integration. This move, aimed at curbing irregular migration, temporarily suspends the visa exemption for up to two years. Such measures can hinder the spirit of the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, which aims to facilitate easier movement across borders and enhance regional connectivity. This protocol is crucial for fostering economic and social ties across the continent, and such visa requirements can be seen as a step back in achieving these goals.

In another instance, the closure of multiple border crossing points between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia on August 10, 2024, due to a trade dispute, highlights the fragility of cross-border trade relations. The DRC’s ban on imports from Zambia led to protests and subsequent border closures by Zambia to protect transport drivers. Although the borders reopened on August 12, 2024, this incident reveals the complexities in achieving seamless trade under the AfCFTA. The AfCFTA aims to boost intra-African trade by reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers, but such disputes can undermine these efforts and disrupt the flow of goods and services.

Earlier this year, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) suspended all Kenya Airways (KQ) passenger flights between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in a retaliatory move after Kenya rejected Tanzania’s request for cargo flights. This suspension, which affected 33 scheduled flights per week, was later reversed but highlighted the need for better cooperation within the SAATM framework. SAATM aims to enhance air connectivity across Africa, promoting economic integration and boosting intra-African trade and tourism. However, such disputes can hinder the progress towards a unified air transport market and limit the benefits of increased connectivity.

These incidents reflect the intricate dynamics and challenges that African nations face in their pursuit of regional integration and cooperation. While initiatives like AfCFTA, SAATM, and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons hold great promise, their success depends on overcoming such hurdles and fostering stronger collaboration among African nations. The path to a fully integrated Africa is fraught with obstacles, but with continued commitment and cooperation, these goals can be achieved.

However, these recent developments raise several worrisome questions: Are we falling into the trap of disintegration like other regions have experienced? How can African nations balance national security concerns with the broader goals of regional integration? What measures can be taken to prevent protectionist policies from undermining the progress made towards economic unity? And most importantly, how can we ensure that the vision of a fully integrated and prosperous Africa, as envisioned by the AfCFTA, SAATM, and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, becomes a reality? These are critical questions that need to be addressed to navigate the complex landscape of regional integration in Africa.