The e-Passport will allow a limited number of officials to enjoy visa-free access AU member states.
A single passport, making the movement of people, trade and ideas across an entire continent easier. That’s Europe, right?
Well, later this month, the African Union (AU) will launch the forerunner of its very own single African passport, at a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. The e-Passport will allow a limited number of officials to enjoy visa-free access to all of the 54 AU member states. The timing is poignant, as Britain looks to negotiate its exit from the European Union.
"[The initiative is a] steady step toward the objective of creating a strong, prosperous and integrated Africa," said chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in a press release. "Driven by its own citizens and capable of taking its rightful place on the world stage."
Well, later this month, the African Union (AU) will launch the forerunner of its very own single African passport, at a meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. The e-Passport will allow a limited number of officials to enjoy visa-free access to all of the 54 AU member states. The timing is poignant, as Britain looks to negotiate its exit from the European Union.
"[The initiative is a] steady step toward the objective of creating a strong, prosperous and integrated Africa," said chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, in a press release. "Driven by its own citizens and capable of taking its rightful place on the world stage."
AN AU E-PASSPORT
An e-passport was first proposed in 2014, as part of the AU’s long-term vision for the continent. The aim is to create an Africa that is "integrated" and "united". They view the introduction of a single e-passport as central to this, enabling the free movement of people, goods and services across the continent – driving socio-economic growth.Initially the passport will only be available to African Union heads of state and government, ministers of foreign affairs, and the permanent representatives of AU member states based at the headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
However, the plan is then to roll this out to all citizens of member states. The current timeframe hopes to "realize the dream of visa-free travel for African citizens within their own continent by 2020."
THE BENEFITS OF A SINGLE AFRICAN PASSPORT
While concerns have been raised about security risks, crime and the spread of contagious diseases, a single passport offers significant potential.Through increased integration across the continent, the AU hope to foster economic growth.
By lowering barriers to movement, the continent can take advantage of its enormous human capital and resource potential.
Levels of trade between African nations are much lower than in other continents. But, as Jacqueline Musiitwa, Founder of the Hoja Law Group, highlighted in blog for the World Economic Forum: “Africa is in a unique position in that it has the chance to trade with an untapped market: itself.”
A single passport also represents a powerful symbol of African unity. Following Brexit, and the threat of a disintegrating European Union, it is a significant step in the opposite direction.
Equally, opening borders would allow African nations to benefit from regional tourism. The World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015 emphasised the resilience of tourism in the face of economic shocks, and its power in driving growth.
As the following chart shows, African economies rank poorly on the global scale. However, the sector offers significant opportunities across the continent.
With a burgeoning middle class – expected to reach 1.1bn by 2060, according to Deloitte – extraordinary natural beauty and diverse cultures, tourism offers significant potential for economic growth. Intra-African travel can help the continent take advantage.
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