Reorganizing borders in the age of free movement in Africa

This chapter looks at the future of border management as Africa takes important steps towards a new era of free movement across the continent, on the premise that Aspiration 2 of the African Union Agenda 2063, which envisions a continent with “seamless borders” where “the free movement of people, capital, goods and services”, does not imply the removal of colonial boundaries. As such, effective and efficient border management will take new dimensions and remain a priority for the foreseeable future. Issues affecting African border management are examined, including the following: (a) visa liberalization in Africa; (b) free movement in the regional economic communities (RECs); (c) border data and the importance of evidence-based policymaking; (d) an integrated border management (IBM) approach; (e) one-stop border posts (OSBPs); (f) travel documentation; (g) free trade; and (h) Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. The chapter recommends that States should adopt an IBM approach and establish OSBPs that experience significant flows of people and goods, as well as establish border management information systems (BMIS) at all principal ports of entry.

Sustainable Development Goals:

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