In a striking illustration of the complexities faced by Africans in their own continent, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, was denied entry into an African country despite holding an African Union (AU) passport. Conversely, his consultant, holding a British passport, was granted entry. This incident, which Dangote disclosed during an interview at the AfreximBank 30th Anniversary event in Accra, Ghana, highlights the everyday challenges ordinary Africans face when traveling within the continent.
Despite treaties like the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) aiming to facilitate free movement, Africans still face harassment and extortion at borders. In West Africa, the region where ECOWAS operates, borders such as Nigeria/Benin, Benin/Togo, and Togo/Ghana have become notorious for corruption. Border officials routinely demand bribes before stamping travelers’ passports.
It’s crucial for Africans to reevaluate priorities concerning poverty eradication and youth empowerment. Restrictive borders and unnecessary checkpoints only hinder legitimate travelers and traders, exacerbating poverty. Removing these barriers is essential for unleashing prosperity. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), intra-African exports accounted for only 20 percent of total African exports in 2022, a stark contrast to other regional trade blocs like the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Full support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is imperative. Immediate implementation is needed to address the crisis of young Africans losing their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean. As Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah famously said, “Africa must unite or perish!”
Unity means dismantling borders and fostering free trade. The World Bank estimates that AfCFTA could raise incomes by nine percent by 2035 and lift 50 million people out of extreme poverty if fully implemented. To expedite integration and address potential challenges, innovative security policies are necessary. AU member countries should collaborate on intelligence sharing, and border officials must undergo comprehensive training and receive fair compensation to deter corruption. These officials should see themselves as partners in progress, not obstacles.
Rwanda sets a commendable example by allowing visa-free entry for all African nationals. Other African countries should adopt this model of unrestricted entry to promote unity and prosperity.
On African Integration Day, July 7, 2023, I echo Ronald Reagan’s call in Berlin in 1987: “Tear down this wall.” African leaders, if you truly seek prosperity for Africa, tear down these walls. Replace them with centers for trade and research. African leaders, tear down these walls.
Samuel O. Adeyemi is a global communication strategist passionate about fostering African integration and driving positive change within the continent. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily those of The Southern African Times.
