The paradox of the padlocked continent: Why free movement remains elusive in Africa

 Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, famously quipped, "I need 35 visas to travel within Africa."

Of course, he added that he did not have the time to post his passport in 35 embassies in Nigeria, just looking for visas for a couple of intra-African travels.

This highlights the absurdity of a continent where free movement remains a distant dream. 

The African Union (AU) aspires to a borderless continent, as enshrined in its Agenda 2063 vision document. 

However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. What are the reasons behind African countries' reluctance to fully embrace open borders for their fellow Africans? We explore some.

 Historical baggage: Borders as colonial legacies

Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first president, once lamented: "These artificial frontiers... are not natural divisions. They are scars upon the body of our continent."

Nkrumah’s assertion still rings true to date. Africa's current borders are largely artificial constructs, drawn by European colonial powers with little regard for ethnicities or pre-colonial kingdoms.

This legacy fosters a sense of national insecurity, with governments viewing borders as bulwarks against external threats. National narratives often emphasise differences over shared identities, creating a "them vs. us" mentality towards neighbouring countries.

 Security Concerns: A continent grappling with instability

Africa faces a multitude of security challenges, from terrorism and insurgency to civil unrest and political instability. 

Porous borders are seen as vulnerabilities, potentially allowing the movement of weapons, insurgents, and criminals. The spectre of conflicts spilling over from neighbouring countries adds to the anxieties.

"Open borders in today's Africa, with its porous borders and weak security apparatus, can be a recipe for disaster," said Professor Aisha Osman, a security expert at the University of Nairobi, in an interview with Al Jazeera in 2022. 

 Economic disparities: The fear of a "brain drain"

The economic realities of Africa are starkly uneven. Wealthier countries fear an influx of skilled labour from poorer nations, potentially straining resources and exacerbating unemployment. The "brain drain" phenomenon, with skilled professionals leaving for greener pastures, is a genuine concern for some governments. Defending his country's visa restrictions in his address to the Nigerian National Assembly in 2021, former Nigerian President of Parliament Muhammadu Buhari said; "We cannot afford to see our best and brightest leave for greener pastures." 

 The challenge of implementation: Political will and bureaucratic hurdles

The AU's Free Movement Protocol, adopted in 2018, lays the groundwork for visa-free travel. However, translating this into reality requires strong political will and efficient implementation mechanisms. 

"There is a gap between lofty ideals and the messy realities on the ground," observes Dr David Kiwuwa, a researcher on African migration at the University of Cape Town, in a 2023 interview with the BBC.  Bureaucratic inertia, coupled with vested interests profiting from the current visa regime, often impedes progress.

 Infrastructural limitations: Unequipped to handle mass movement

In a 2018 speech to the East African Community, former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete acknowledged the infrastructural limitation.

"Our infrastructure is simply not equipped to handle the large-scale movement of people that free movement would entail," he noted.

Many African countries lack the infrastructure to efficiently manage large-scale population movements.  Overburdened immigration systems, coupled with a dearth of proper identification documents, make it difficult to track and regulate movement effectively.

 The trust deficit: Scapegoating migrants and national identity

Populist narratives often portray migrants as a burden on social services and a threat to jobs.

This scapegoating can exacerbate social tensions and make governments wary of policies perceived as favouring outsiders. 

National identity, often still under construction in post-colonial states, can be a contentious issue, with concerns about cultural dilution fueling resistance to free movement.

 A united Africa requires open borders

As Nelson Mandela once stated, "Our continent will never be free as long as any one of our countries remains subjugated." Free movement is not just about economic benefits; it's about unlocking Africa's potential. 

A continent where citizens can move freely, share knowledge, and collaborate will be a more vibrant and prosperous Africa. Overcoming the hurdles is a complex task, but the ultimate reward—a truly united Africa—is worth the effort.

 Regional integration efforts: Stepping stones on the long road

Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. Regional economic blocs like the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), the EAC, and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) have made strides towards freer movement within their regions. 

As Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, told an AU Summit in 2021, "These regional efforts serve as valuable laboratories for continental integration."

 The way forward: A multi-pronged approach

Strive Masiyiwa, a prominent African businessman, argues that; "Free movement of people is the lifeblood of any successful economic bloc. Africa cannot afford to be left behind."

Realising free movement in Africa requires a comprehensive approach. Strengthening security cooperation, harmonising immigration procedures, and investing in infrastructure are crucial steps. Public education campaigns can foster understanding and build trust. Visa-free travel for specific categories, like businesspeople and students, can offer a stepping stone towards broader liberalization.  Leadership from influential figures like Aliko Dangote can be instrumental in driving change.