HOME ABOUT

an african all-access pass


Is the AU passport a win for pan-Africanism?






After decades of clamoring for more unity à la European Union for the African continent, the African Union (AU) may have just taken the first step with a literally boundary-breaking move: a continental passport. It would allow "visa-free travel for African citizens within their own continent by 2020." For now, it is being rolled out to African heads of state and AU officials but the grand idea is that any African citizen would be able to apply for one.

The part that intrigues me as an African is what it could mean for pan-Africanism at the individual level. A majority of the 54 countries inherited their borders and with those lines come divisions that shape internal and regional politics. When you look at relationships like 'Françafrique', trade is still influenced by colonial ties so could this stir a shift towards a mentality motivated by the continental good? One where working in silos until a country "makes it" just won't cut it?


I wanted to hear from African millennials living and working on the continent on what kind of ripple this passport could have. Read what they had to say below.



What was the first thought that crossed your mind when you found out about the AU passport?




Eden* | Eritrean in Nairobi, Kenya: The AU is so ineffective generally, so I am skeptical that they can make it happen. But I feel like if this happens, it will primarily be used for elite Africans who are tired of being treated like they are "the same" as other Africans (often lower class). This is purely for their convenience, no one else's.


Jemila | Ghanaian in Accra, Ghana: Yet another white elephant. Are we creating the AU passport just so we can say we created an AU passport - or are we actually willing to put in the work? While I want to be optimistic and all kumbaya, the truth is I'm skeptical at best.

Zika | Nigerian-American in Lagos, Nigeria: I think it's really a pity because we desperately need to expand intra-African travel and connectivity, but I don't think this policy will do it.


*Name changed to protect identity.


What do you think this means for pan-Africanism?



Eden: I think this is significant for pan-Africanism, and indicates that the sentiment is widely felt among African leaders.


Jemila: At the very minimum, I think it is helping resurface the conversation about Pan-Africanism and regional integration - or actually getting many of us to consider the thought and ask why we prefer to travel outside the continent rather than within when we think of holidays, for example. Will it actually make more Africans take regional travel, business, tourism seriously? Can't say. In the long run, I'm hopeful, but in the short term, I think a lot more needs to be done in terms of practical measures than simply announcing an "all Africa" passport.

Zika: I'm forever the optimist, and I'm all for pan-Africanism, but I'm skeptical of this move. Maybe it's because the AU has largely been an entity of doing more talking than just straight up walking the walk, so I'm looking at this whole AU passport thing with a curious side-eye.



What do you think will be the direct consequences?



Eden: No one is allowed to leave Eritrea [without an exit visa] so I’m not sure it will affect the rate of Eritrean travel too greatly, unless one is a member of the "Eritrean elite". With respect to Kenya, I’m sure more privileged Kenyans will be able to take advantage of it.

Jemila: I think other African nationals will visit Ghana - perhaps out of curiosity more than anything else. Ghanaians might be less likely to visit other African countries beyond its West African nations and the usual economic zones (Kenya, South Africa). But ultimately, I think it will depend on things like airline availability, ticket costs, language, basically the practical elements. We might see a surge in Africans in the Diaspora visiting African nations other than their home nation though - think Spring Break in São Tomé (now that I'd like to see!).

Zika: I don't think this AU passport will change anything for the average African because they'll probably never get one - unless it's required and replaces all existing national passports. For those that get one, the high cost of traveling within African will be enough to make it unlikely that the passport will change much. However, I do think this would make the lives of African politicians and business people much easier, which, now that I think of it are the people the AU really represents.


What would you do if you had an
AU passport RIGHT now?



Eden: I am blessed in that I carry a US passport :).

Jemila: I had the equivalent of an "AU passport" while working as a diplomat; it was great knowing I didn't have to go through all the loops and hoops to get a visa. But again, before I even got to that stage, I had to make sure I had enough money to buy a ticket, secure accommodation etc. With an AU passport now, I would happily travel across the continent and do business, but only if I could afford the other elements. Unfortunately, until our airline industry and regional road networks improve, I'm not sure how many Africans can actually take advantage of the "AU passport".

Zika: Absolutely nothing, because the tickets are way too expensive. To be honest, the visa is not the main hurdle to intra-African tourism - Africans still make it to countries with extremely tight visa restrictions on us - it's the fact that a barely 1-hour flight from Lagos to Douala costs nearly $500 and that's one of the cheapest flights you can take from Lagos anywhere. Comparatively, a 5-hour flight to European cities could cost as low as $800 which is way better value for money. So please, part and parcel with more open borders should be policies for more open skies, lower aviation fees, and improved airport quality.