African citizens can travel freely within all 54 countries by 2018 – AU

 

The African Union, AU, is working to produce a common electronic passport that will grant holders visa-free access to all 54 member-countries.

This was contained in a statement by the union on Wednesday. AU said the passport was a step towards the fulfilment of the continent’s aspirations as enshrined in Agenda 2063 action plan, which is “to promote greater continental integration and forge a united Africa”.

AU disclosed that the passports will be distributed to all African citizens by 2018, a plan that will be discussed during a one-week summit scheduled to hold next week in Kigali, Rwanda. Continuing the statement said, “Countries such as Seychelles, Mauritius, Rwanda and Ghana, have taken the lead in ensuring easier intra-Africa travel by relaxing visa restrictions and in some cases, lifting visa requirements altogether. “The scene seems to be set to realise the dream of visa-free travel for African citizens within their own continent by 2020. “Issuance of the AU e-Passport is expected to pave the way for member-states to adopt and ratify the necessary protocols and legislation, with a view to begin issuing the much expected African passport.”