THE latest AVOI (African Visa Openness Index) for 2024 reveals both progress and setbacks across the continent, as several countries take steps toward improving cross-border mobility, while others introduce new barriers.
Out of 54 African nations, 17 have seen their AVOI scores rise, continuing the positive trend from the previous year when 15 countries improved their standing. However, the overall impact on the continent’s aggregate score has been marginally negative, with the total score slipping from 0.485 in 2023 to 0.479 in 2024. This dip means the continent’s score remains at a level comparable to 2022, but still higher than in the preceding six years.
Despite the overall improvement in AVOI scores for many nations, the travel landscape for African citizens is becoming more complicated. Political and security challenges, as well as shifts in domestic and foreign policies, are increasingly impacting the ease of movement across borders.
Increased barriers to travel
One significant trend in 2024 has been the introduction of more stringent visa policies. Several countries have removed the option for visa-on-arrival, making it mandatory for travellers to secure visas in advance—either traditional or electronic. While some nations have embraced digital innovations like e-visas, these new technologies have introduced additional complexities into the travel process rather than simplifying it.
The introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) by some countries, for example, while intended to streamline travel, has added extra steps that burden travellers. These changes, though positive in some cases, have had the unintended consequence of making cross-border mobility more cumbersome.
The role of conflict and migration
Conflict remains a critical factor influencing the ease of movement in certain parts of Africa. While some regions experience displacement and forced migration, the security situation also restricts the movement of people, complicating travel despite existing visa policies. As a result, many travellers’ experiences on the ground diverge significantly from official policies designed to facilitate movement.
Visa policy reforms and bilateral agreements
In a more positive development, several African nations have undertaken bold reforms to their visa policies, contributing to tangible improvements in regional mobility. These reforms often involve reciprocal arrangements between countries, which have resulted in more open borders and easier travel within the continent. Notably, the introduction of e-visas and streamlined visa processes has made cross-border travel more accessible for some African citizens.
Looking ahead: a mixed picture
While 2024’s AVOI scores reflect a year of both progress and challenges, the continent’s long-term trajectory remains uncertain. While visa policy reforms are promising, ongoing political, security, and technological challenges continue to shape the realities of African mobility. As several countries navigate the fine balance between facilitating movement and addressing other concerns, the AVOI will remain an important tool for tracking and understanding Africa’s evolving travel landscape.
