Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

A Defining Moment for Africa’s Mobility Agenda

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey towards economic transformation. With the  (AfCFTA) now ratified by 48 countries and the African Union’s Free Movement Protocol (AU-FMP) gaining traction, the continent is poised to redefine its internal mobility landscape.

The significance of labour mobility was also during the Africa Employers' Summit 2025 in Nairobi, hosted by the Federation of Kenya Employers. The event brought together representatives from Employers’ and Business Member Organizations (EBMOs) across Africa, along with the (ILO). Discussions focused on improving prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities, innovations to adapt to workplace changes in Africa and strategies to reinvigorate EBMOs.

The vision is clear: a borderless Africa where people, goods and services move freely, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for growth, innovation and unity.

The Promise of AfCFTA and the Free Movement Protocol

Launched in 2021, AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area by number of participating countries. Its goal is to boost intra-African trade, reduce reliance on external markets and foster regional integration.

According to the United Nations  (ECA), full implementation of AfCFTA could increase Africa’s GDP by $141 billion and intra-African trade by $276 billion, an increase of 45%.

However, trade is not just about goods and services. It is also about people and skilled labour. Labour mobility is the lifeblood of economic integration. The AU-FMP, though still awaiting widespread ratification, is essential to realising AfCFTA’s full potential. Currently, only four countries (Rwanda, Niger, Mali and São Tomé and Príncipe) have ratified the AU-FMP, despite 33 having signed it.

Why Does Intra-African Mobility Matter?

More than 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. The median age for the African continent is 19.3 years, a strong indicator of the continent’s demographic dividend.

Yet, skilled professionals often remain underutilized due to rigid borders and fragmented labour markets. Facilitating intra-African mobility would help countries address skill mismatches, benefit from the skills developed across the continent, reduce unemployment and enhance productivity.

For instance, a Kenyan engineer could fill a gap in Ghana’s infrastructure sector, while a Nigerian healthcare worker could support South Africa’s rural clinics. Such exchanges not only strengthen host economies but also empower migrants through access to decent work and social protection, while benefiting their home countries through remittances.

Regional Success Stories

According to the , The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) offers a compelling case study. Its provisions on the Rights of Entry, Residence, and Establishment have enabled millions to move freely across borders.

As of 2020, 21 million Africans lived in another African country, up from 18 million in 2015. This steady rise in intra-regional migration underscores that free movement is viable when backed by political will and institutional support.

Building on ECOWAS’s success, the AU’s Labour Migration Strategy, launched in May 2025, aims to harmonize policies, protect migrant rights, and match skills with demand. The strategy reflects a shift from viewing migration as a challenge to embracing it as a development tool.

What Are the Main Barriers to Intra-African Mobility?

Despite encouraging developments, several hurdles remain. Many African countries remain cautious about opening borders due to concerns over:

• • • Security
    • Strain on education and healthcare systems
    • Unemployment
    • Political instability

The AU-FMP requires ratification by at least 15 countries to come into force. Moreover, infrastructure gaps hinder mobility. Africa’s road density averages just 2.3 km per 100 km², and only 37% of Africans had internet access in 2023, according to World Bank’s (AICD) report.

These limitations affect not only physical movement but also digital trade and remote work opportunities.

To overcome these gaps, the ECA recommends, among others, targeted investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure. Other initiatives such as the (SAATM) and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) are promising steps that could streamline mobility and commerce.

Opportunities Ahead: Building a Borderless Africa

The potential benefits of intra-African mobility are huge, and they include economic diversification, and youth empowerment, among other things.

Policy Recommendations to Accelerate Free Movement

To unlock these benefits, from a policy point of view, African governments should prioritise the acceleration of the ratification of AU-FMP and harmonise migration policies across regions. Additionally, investment in infrastructure and the digitalisation of the immigration systems must be made through public-private partnership and protect migrant rights.

Towards Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want

Intra-African mobility is central to realising Agenda 2063 — an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa driven by its own citizens. As ECOWAS has shown, free movement is possible and powerful. Now is the time for the rest of Africa to follow suit.

By embracing mobility, Africa can unlock its full potential, foster unity and build a future where borders connect rather than divide. Achieving this vision will require coordinated effort and commitment, but it is within reach.

Need To Know More?

For questions related to intra-African mobility or the Free Movement Protocol, please contact Immigration Director Willys Mac’Olale at [email protected].

This blog was published on 23 October 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.