African nations are accelerating efforts to dismantle regional trade and travel barriers, aiming to transition from fragmented markets to a cohesive economic bloc. According to Nathalie Delapalme, director of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the continent’s path to growth relies on implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and streamlining visa policies to boost intra-continental mobility and commerce.
Why is African integration moving slowly?
Despite the African Union’s decade-old protocol on the free movement of people, progress remains sluggish due to persistent security concerns and domestic labor protections. Data from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation indicates that only four countries have fully ratified the movement protocol, leaving approximately 75% of African citizens requiring visas to travel within their own continent. These administrative hurdles are often compounded by historical infrastructure layouts; networks were traditionally built to export raw materials to global markets rather than to link neighboring African capitals, forcing travelers to transit through Europe or the Middle East.
It is often faster to fly between two African capital cities by connecting through a European hub than by taking a direct flight, a direct result of the continent’s historical export-oriented infrastructure.
How will AfCFTA impact economic growth?
Full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could serve as a primary catalyst for job creation and trade diversification. Projections cited by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation suggest that comprehensive integration could increase intra-African trade from 18% to 53% while creating up to 14 million jobs by 2035. Achieving these targets requires overcoming significant non-tariff barriers, including divergent technical standards, complex customs procedures, and the lack of currency convertibility between trading partners.
The role of digital payment systems
To bypass the high costs associated with multi-currency conversions, the African Union and Afreximbank introduced the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). According to Nathalie Delapalme, this mechanism allows businesses to settle transactions in local currencies, reducing dependence on foreign exchange. While a unified continental currency remains a long-term goal, experts view these pragmatic, technology-driven payment solutions as the most immediate path to strengthening regional trade.
What are the models for future success?
Regional leaders are looking toward established international frameworks to inform their integration strategies. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation highlights three specific precedents: the European Union’s Schengen Area, the Mercosur residence regime in South America, and the gradualist approach favored by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). By adopting these modular, regional-first strategies, African governments aim to balance national sovereignty with the economic benefits of open borders.
Monitor recent visa-waiver announcements from nations like Rwanda, Benin, the Gambia, and Togo. These policy shifts often precede broader regional trade agreements and signal a more open investment climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest barrier to intra-African trade?
Tariff and non-tariff barriers, such as complex customs, non-harmonized technical standards, and difficulties in currency convertibility, are the primary obstacles, according to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.
How many African countries have ratified the free movement protocol?
As of mid-2026, only four countries have formally ratified the African Union’s protocol on the free movement of people.
Can technology solve infrastructure deficits?
While digital solutions like the PAPSS payment system help facilitate trade, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation notes that digital tools cannot fully replace the need for physical road and rail networks.
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