Rwanda’s open borders policy was widely praised as a catalyst for regional trade and economic integration by African leaders during discussions at the 38th African Union Summit in Ethiopia.
The East African country was highlighted as a model for facilitating seamless trade and movement across borders, reinforcing the AU’s broader vision of an integrated continent. During a high-level dialogue organized by the African Development Bank Group and the African Union Commission, trade ministers and business leaders highlighted Rwanda’s experience as evidence that open borders strengthen, rather than weaken, security.
Speaking at the event, Nnenna Nwabufo, AfDB’s Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting visa-free movement across Africa. He stressed that such initiatives are vital for economic prosperity, inclusiveness and resilience, and are in line with the Bank’s new Ten-Year Strategy (2024-2033).
In his opening remarks, Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Australia, outlined four key priorities to advance Africa’s economic integration:
- Facilitate the movement of people essential for trade
- Implement a strategic framework for inclusive and sustainable growth
- Advance the African Common Market as outlined in the 1991 Abuja Treaty
- Develop the infrastructure needed to support free movement
Muchanga also highlighted the importance of trans-African highways, such as the Cairo-Cape Town and Dakar-Mombasa routes, to further enhance connectivity.
Findings from the latest Africa Visa Openness Index presented at the session revealed significant progress, with 39 African countries improving their visa policies since 2016. However, experts said more efforts were needed to achieve unrestricted mobility for Africans across the continent.
Rwanda’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, shared insights into the economic benefits of implementing a visa-free policy for her country. She dismissed concerns about security risks, stressing that investing in proper governance, security systems and border monitoring ensures safe and legal movement.
“In reality, tourism and business travellers use official routes such as airports and border posts. A visa-free policy does not jeopardise security, but rather helps combat smuggling and illegal migration,” Sebahizi said.
The session also included discussions on youth participation, with AU Youth Envoy Chido Mpemba highlighting the role of social media in promoting cultural and social integration among young Africans.
The event concluded with the announcement of the 2025 Visa-Free Travel Roadshow, led by Dr Joy Kategekwa of the AfDB and Dr Sabelo Mbokazi of the AU Commission. The initiative aims to mobilise for greater visa openness and accelerate Africa’s regional integration agenda, providing more opportunities for all Africans.