During a speech at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote expressed frustration with the numerous obstacles he faces while traveling across Africa. He highlighted the stark difference in visa requirements for Africans compared to Europeans, pointing out that he needs to apply for 35 visas to travel freely within the continent. This visa regime not only inconveniences wealthy businesspeople like Dangote but also presents a major obstacle for millions of African migrants seeking safety, stability, success, and prosperity.
In the 1990s, the author recalled a time when Harare, Zimbabwe, was a diverse and welcoming city with a thriving community of migrants from Central and West Africa. However, the landscape has since changed, with Zimbabwe introducing legislation that restricts ownership of businesses in certain sectors to citizens of the country. Other African nations, such as Botswana and South Africa, have also implemented policies to prioritize their citizens in economic activities, leading to a rise in anti-immigrant sentiment and crackdowns on undocumented migrants across the continent.
The author pointed to the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons Protocol adopted in 2018 as a potential solution to combat Afrophobia and promote unity on the continent. The protocol calls for member states to allow visa-free entry, right of residence, and the right to establish a business for nationals of other member states. However, as of August 2023, only a few member states have ratified the protocol, indicating a slow progress towards achieving freedom of movement in Africa.
The article highlighted the positive impact of freedom of movement on economic outcomes, citing the European Union as an example. The author emphasized the importance of unity and integration in Africa to unlock the continent’s socioeconomic potential and provide security and stability to its diverse population. Politicians and citizens are urged to embrace diversity and support policies that facilitate the movement of people and promote economic growth across the continent.
In conclusion, the author called on African leaders and businesspeople to heed Dangote’s warning about the challenges facing the continent and work towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous Africa. By opening up opportunities for all Africans to participate in the continent’s economic development, unity can be restored, and the dream of a thriving and interconnected Africa can be realized. The article serves as a call to action to combat Afrophobia and promote freedom of movement as a key driver of economic growth and social cohesion in Africa.
