Towards a Visa Free Africa: Challenges and Prospects
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2019-02
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study attempts to underscore that the groundwork should be paved first before the full implementation of the visa free Africa. While the African Union wants its realization by 2020, much of the work remains to be done with respect to promoting African and regional economic integration.
Findings of the study indicate that implementing the visa free Africa plan would be significant, if it goes beyond cooperation to scale up trade volumes and promote economic transformation through integration.
The experiences of African countries that have made great strides in easing visa restrictions could be helpful in facilitating its realization. However, political instability, poor infrastructure & ICT services in the continent could constrain the plan from happening soon. Thus, this study recommends that African governments should focus on building and improving infrastructural facilities such as roads and rail networks that link a country with its neighboring countries and beyond, thereby strengthening ties and integrations among sisterly African countries. Moreover, the African governments should also emphasis on intra-continental trade and investments rather than relying on exporting raw materials to foreign countries.
Description
Keywords
Towards a Visa Free Africa: Challenges and Prospects