From Borders to Bridges: My African Dream

I really wish there was something called the African Dream.

If you ask me, it would be an Africa without borders, where a businessman from Tunisia can grab his suitcase and travel to Uganda for business without having to apply for a visa.

Many share this dream, which is why the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was conceived. This bold initiative aims to enhance trade and economic integration across Africa, creating a seamless market that transcends national boundaries.

Aliko Dangote’s Visa Experience: It Calls for Concern!

At the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote shared a frustrating experience that underscores broader systemic issues. Despite AfCFTA's framework, he was informed that he could only receive a visa on arrival in Egypt if he had an American visa, even though both Nigeria and Egypt are AfCFTA members. He further stated that 35 travel visas is required to travel to 54 African Countries with an ECOWAS passport. These are his words:

“I am going to Egypt tomorrow, but I need a visa. They are saying that they will give me a visa on arrival if I have an American visa. But I am an African, and Egypt is part and parcel of AfCFTA. But they are saying that no, if you have an American visa, we will give you. So, they are discounting me, being an African. So, how do we trade if you’re not allowing me into their country?”

Regional Distrust and Its Economic Impact

Dangote's experience highlights a broader issue of regional distrust within Africa. This distrust is a significant barrier to achieving AfCFTA’s goals of increased intra-African trade.

The core aim of AfCFTA is to promote seamless trade and cooperation across the continent, yet practical barriers like inconsistent visa policies undermine this vision.

Contributions of Rwanda and Kenya

Rwanda and Kenya have recently taken significant steps to support AfCFTA's objectives and enhance regional integration.

1. Rwanda's Visa on Arrival Policy: Rwanda offers a visa on arrival for all African passport holders. This means that citizens of any African country can travel to Rwanda without needing to obtain a visa in advance; they will be granted a visa upon arrival at the airport or border. This policy promotes easier movement and stronger business ties among African nations.
2. Kenya's Open Visa Policy: Kenya also has a relatively open visa policy for African nationals. Citizens of many African countries do not need a visa to enter Kenya and can stay for up to 90 days visa-free. For those who do require a visa, Kenya offers the option to obtain an eVisa online before travel or a visa upon arrival. This openness facilitates increased travel and trade across the region.

The Role of Organizations, Agencies, and International Bodies

Various organizations and agencies, both regional and international, play critical roles in supporting AfCFTA and promoting a borderless Africa. The African Union (AU) has been instrumental in the establishment and promotion of AfCFTA, providing a platform for member states to negotiate and implement the agreement. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) supports AfCFTA by providing research, policy advice, and technical assistance to African governments, ensuring that the policies adopted are sound and effective.

Financial support is crucial for the infrastructure projects needed to enhance connectivity and reduce trade barriers across Africa. The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) plays a pivotal role in this regard by financing these vital projects. Additionally, the World Trade Organization (WTO) offers guidance and support to ensure that AfCFTA aligns with global trade rules and standards, facilitating smoother integration into the global economy.

Aside the amazing work these organisations are doing, there are Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that advocate for fair trade practices, transparency, and the inclusion of marginalized communities in the benefits of AfCFTA. These organizations ensure that the benefits of AfCFTA are equitably distributed.

Meanwhile, regional bodies like theCommon Market for Eastern and Southern Africa coodinated by the COMESA Secretariat , the Economic Community of West African States managed by the ECOWAS Commission , the Southern African Development Community overseen by the SADC Secretariat , and the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) facilitate regional cooperation and help harmonize policies to support intra-African trade, creating a more unified and robust economic landscape.

The Role of Regional Economic Blocs

Regional economic blocs play crucial roles in ensuring a borderless Africa. COMESA has demonstrated how mutual trust and cohesive policies can drive economic integration. Its success lies in its member states' stronger foundation of trust and mutual recognition, which facilitates smoother trade and cooperation.

However, ECOWAS appears less effective within the AfCFTA framework due to a lack of cohesion and collaboration among its member states.

For AfCFTA to thrive, regional blocs like ECOWAS need to overcome internal divisions and work more harmoniously. SADC, known for its stability and effective economic coordination, provides valuable lessons in fostering regional cooperation. In Northern Africa, the Arab Maghreb Union (UMA) aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, including Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. However, political and economic challenges have hindered the UMA's effectiveness.

Unlocking AfCFTA's Potential: A Five-Point Action Plan

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) holds immense promise, but to truly unleash its potential, African nations need to address key challenges. Here's a five-point action plan for success, with support from regional and international bodies:

1. Free Flow, Free Trade: Visa Harmonization

Action: Establish a unified visa system for business and trade across Africa.

Benefits: Increased mobility, streamlined trade procedures, and a boost to regional integration.

2. Bridging the Gap: Infrastructure Investment

Action: Prioritize investments in transportation and communication infrastructure.

Support: Financial and technical assistance from institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) can accelerate progress.

Outcome: Reduced trade costs, improved connectivity, and a more vibrant regional market.

3. Leaving No One Behind: Promoting Inclusive Growth

Action: Implement policies that ensure all member states benefit equitably from AfCFTA.

Who's Involved: Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) can play a vital role in advocating for inclusive policies that address economic disparities.

Goal: Reduce economic imbalances and create a more sustainable foundation for regional trade.

4. Stability Breeds Prosperity: Strengthening Governance

Action: Enhance governance and political stability to create a conducive environment for trade and investment.

Support: The African Union (AU) and regional bodies like ECOWAS, UMA, and SADC can mediate and resolve conflicts, fostering peaceful development.

Outcome: A more predictable and stable business environment that attracts investments and drives economic growth.

5. Building Bridges, Not Walls: Regional Cooperation

Action: Strengthen economic blocs like COMESA, ECOWAS, SADC, and UMA to foster trust and collaboration amongst member states.

International Partnership: The World Trade Organization (WTO) can provide guidance on aligning regional trade policies with global standards.

Benefits: A united front for African economies on the world stage and enhanced intra-regional trade flows.

Implementing this action plan will enable African nations to overcome current hurdles and unlock the full potential of AfCFTA, paving the way for a brighter economic future for the continent.

Building a Trust-Based Economic Community

For AfCFTA to work its magic, African countries need to trust each other and work together. This means learning from successful groups like COMESA, where countries trade freely, and fixing problems in groups like ECOWAS.

Here's what needs to happen:

• Make it easier to trade: Get rid of unnecessary rules and paperwork that slow things down, like visas that make travel difficult.
• Clear and consistent rules: All countries should agree on how trade works, so everyone plays by the same fair rules.
• Be a team, Africa!: By trusting and cooperating, African countries can unlock a massive economic boost and become stronger players in the global market.

Aliko Dangote's visa struggles expose a critical issue: a lack of trust between African countries that hinders free trade.

This approach paves the way for an Africa where entrepreneurs like Dangote move freely, boosting trade and innovation across the continent.

A borderless Africa, where goods and people can travel seamlessly, will unleash the continent's true potential and create a brighter future for all.

Does this represent your "African Dream"?