By Morris Wambua

A Pipe Dream, or a Viable Possibility?

What would happen if Africa's borders dissolve, allowing for the free flow of people, goods, and services across its 54 countries?

The vision of a borderless Africa—a continent united by trade, innovation, and opportunity—is
not just a utopian dream. It’s part of an ambitious plan laid out by the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and brought into sharper focus by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

But is this dream of an interconnected Africa really achievable, or is it destined to remain an elusive ideal?

As we explore the intricate web of challenges and economic opportunities, it's essential to critically analyze the progress made so far, the hurdles in the way, and the potential impact of a borderless Africa on its people, economies, and global standing.

Is a united, borderless Africa a bridge to unprecedented economic inclusion, or is it a toll road fraught with political landmines and logistical dead ends?

The Promise of Economic Inclusion: Dream or Reality?

Economic inclusion is the cornerstone of a borderless Africa. A united market of over 1.2 billion people could transform Africa into an economic powerhouse.

In theory, eliminating trade barriers would allow African countries to strengthen intra-African trade, reduce reliance on external markets, and spark innovation and industrialization. Yet, as history has shown us, theory and practice often collide head-on in the real world.

For instance, consider the irony that it is often cheaper for African businesses to trade with Europe or the Middle East than with their neighbors. Flights within Africa can be more expensive than flights from Africa to Dubai or Paris.

Why?

Because Africa's internal infrastructure is in disrepair, riddled with protectionist policies and inefficiencies that continue to drive up costs.

Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area: A Grand Vision

The African Union’s Agenda 2063 paints a picture of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. At the heart of this agenda is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021.

This free trade zone, touted as the largest in the world, aims to create a market valued at USD 3.4 trillion, reducing tariffs and opening up new avenues for trade among African nations.

Sounds revolutionary, right?

But let's not pop the champagne just yet.

The AfCFTA, while impressive on paper, has hit several speed bumps. Its implementation has been slow, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these delays.

Some African traders have faced inconsistent customs practices, which undermine the very idea of free trade. Moreover, smaller businesses—arguably the backbone of most African economies—have often been sidelined, unable to benefit from the opportunities the AfCFTA promises.

Despite these hurdles, there are reasons for cautious optimism. The AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, which began in 2022, has approved over 100 products for trade, signifying a tangible, albeit slow, march toward a unified market.

Still, the question remains: How long will it take to realize the full benefits of AfCFTA?

And can Africa’s fragmented economies really harmonize into one integrated entity?

Regional Agreements: Patchwork Solutions or Stepping Stones?

 
Africa has not shied away from experimenting with regional economic agreements.

Economic communities like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community(EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have long served as testing grounds for economic integration.

Take ECOWAS, for example, which has allowed visa-free travel since 1979. But even with over 40 years of practice, the challenges of integration remain.

The political instability in ECOWAS countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, each facing withdrawal or suspension from the bloc, complicates efforts to create seamless borders. The recent coups and governmental changes have resulted in more stringent border controls, undermining the very essence of free movement within the region.

The EAC, while more stable, faces its own set of challenges. Citizens from Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya can travel using national ID documents, which is a promising step. However, concerns over security, political tensions, and uneven economic development within the bloc often disrupt the full realization of open borders.

Can these regional arrangements serve as the bedrock for a truly borderless Africa, or will they continue to operate as disjointed, isolated initiatives?

The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM): Will the Skies Open?

Another key piece in the borderless Africa puzzle is the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), launched in 2018.

The goal here is straightforward: reduce airfares, increase connectivity, and allow African airlines to compete on the global stage.

Theoretically, this initiative could open up African skies, making air travel cheaper and more accessible to all Africans. But just like the trade agreements, SAATM is burdened by political hesitancy and protectionist tendencies.

So far, only 35 of Africa’s 54 countries have ratified the treaty. Nations like Uganda and Tanzania have dragged their feet, worried that the benefits of open skies will disproportionately favor larger, more established airlines from countries like Ethiopia or Kenya.

The slow uptake of SAATM not only reflects the challenges of economic unity but also hints at deeper issues—how can Africa compete globally when it struggles to cooperate regionally?

African Passports: Passport to Progress or Bureaucratic Fantasy?

Imagine carrying an African passport that grants you unrestricted access to all 54 countries on the continent. That was the dream when the African Union (AU) introduced the passport in 2016 as part of Agenda 2063.

However, the reality is far more grounded, and, some might say, grounded in bureaucracy.

As of now, the African passport is available only to AU officials and diplomats, with plans to eventually roll it out to all Africans.

Yet, even high-profile African figures like Aliko Dangote, one of the continent’s wealthiest individuals, still face visa requirements when traveling across Africa.

The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the rollout of the African passport, highlighting just how fragile the path to free movement remains.

The glaring issue is that many African governments are reluctant to give up the revenue streams generated from visa fees. There's also the lingering fear that unrestricted movement could exacerbate security issues, particularly with the rise of terrorism and political instability in certain regions.

Protectionism: The Elephant in the Room

Let’s address the elephant in the room: protectionism.Whether it’s safeguarding national industries, airlines, or labor markets, protectionist policies have been one of the greatest obstacles to achieving a borderless Africa.

Nigeria and SouthAfrica, two of the continent’s largest economies, have faced criticism for their restrictive trade practices. Nigeria, for instance, has periodically closed its borders to curb smuggling and illegal trade, leaving its neighbors scrambling to adjust.

South Africa’s approach to migration has been fraught with controversy, mostly encompassing periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence targeting African immigrants.

These examples highlight a broader truth: national interests often supersede continental aspirations. Until African leaders can reconcile these competing priorities, the dream of a united, borderless Africa may remain just that—a dream.

Can Technology Save the Day?

 
Where political will falters, can technology providea way forward?

The digital revolution sweeping across Africa could be the key to unlocking the continent’s potential. From mobile banking solutions like M-Pesa to e-commerce platforms like Jumia, technology has already revolutionized the way Africans trade and connect with each other.

The rise of digital passports, e-visas, and blockchain-powered customs solutions offers a tantalizing glimpse into how technology could overcome some of the logistical barriers to a
borderless Africa.

These innovations could streamline cross-border trade, reduce corruption, and even enhance security. However, widespread adoption remains a challenge, particularly in countries where internet infrastructure is lacking.

The Road Ahead for a Borderless Africa

So, is a borderless Africa achievable?

Yes—but it won’t happen overnight, nor will it happen without significant political, economic, and social sacrifices.

The initiatives laid out by the African Union, AfCFTA, SAATM, and Agenda 2063 are promising steps in the right direction, but the path remains long and arduous. The economic inclusion promised by these initiatives will only be realized if African leaders can muster the political will to set aside national interests and embrace a truly continental vision.

But the payoff, should Africa succeed, is immense. A borderless Africa would not only create unprecedented opportunities for trade and investment but could also serve as a powerful example to the rest of the world.

The African story would shift from one of fragmentation and conflict to one of unity, resilience, and innovation.

As the continent inches closer to this vision, it will require the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders—governments, businesses, civil society, and individual citizens alike. The future of Africa lies in its ability to tear down the artificial barriers that have long divided its people and economies.

A borderless Africa is not just a possibility—it is the inevitable destiny of a continent that has always been more than the sum of its parts.

FAQs

1. What is Agenda 2063?
Agenda 2063 is the African Union's blueprint for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse through political, social, and economic integration by the year 2063.

2. How will AfCFTA impact African economies?
The AfCFTA aims to create the world’s largest free trade area, reducing tariffs and trade barriers between African countries, which could lead to significant economic growth.

3. Why are some African countries hesitant about openborders?
Countries like Uganda and Tanzania are concerned that open skies and free movement might harm their national industries, airlines, and economies, fearing an uneven distribution of benefits.

4. What role does technology play in achieving aborderless Africa?
Technology, through innovations like digital passports, e-commerce, and blockchain, could help streamline cross-border trade and enhance regional integration.

5. Can Africa overcome protectionist policies?
Overcoming protectionism requires political will, cooperation between countries, and a focus on the long-term benefits of economic integration, rather than short-term national interests.