While the African Union and the African Development Bank are calling for an accelerated lifting of visa restrictions on the continent, the SADC stands out with concrete progress. At the High-Level Strategic Dialog on Accelerating the Visa-Free Movement for Africa’s Transformation on 12 February 2025, SADC Executive Secretary H.E. Elias Magosi presented an encouraging report on progress in the region. This initiative, which aims to facilitate economic exchanges and strengthen regional integration, is crucial for the sustainable development of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries.
SADC : Objectives
The SADC, founded in 1992, has 16 member states, including South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia. One of the main objectives of the SADC is to promote economic integration and sustainable development in the region. According to the SADC 2022 report, intra-regional trade accounts for about 20% of Member States’ trade. This remains low compared to other regions of the world, such as the European Union, where intra-regional trade stands at 70%.
Steps towards free movement
Adoption of Protocols
In 2023, the SADC adopts several protocols to facilitate the free movement of people. The Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, signed by 12 of the 16 Member States, aims to eliminate barriers to mobility and allow citizens to travel without visas or with minimum requirements. The Protocol is expected to enter into force in 2025, with the aim of achieving wider regional integration.
Implementation of Common Passport systems
Another major development is the introduction of common passport systems. In 2023, several countries, including South Africa and Zimbabwe, began issuing regional passports that make it easier for people to travel across borders. According to South African authorities, around 1.5 million regional passports have been issued since their launch, making it easier to travel for work, tourism and business.
Transportation and Infrastructure Initiatives
The CFDC has also invested in infrastructure projects to improve regional connectivity. The SADC transport corridor project, which links the ports of Durban (South Africa) and Beira (Mozambique), has been strengthened to facilitate trade and the transport of goods. In 2022, the volume of goods transported through this corridor increased by 15%, reaching 10 million tons.
Benefits of Free Movement
Stimulating the economy
The free movement of people and goods is expected to boost the SADC economy. According to a World Bank study, the full implementation of free movement could increase SADC’s GDP by 2.5% by 2030. This will increase foreign investment and create jobs in a variety of sectors, including tourism, trade and services.
Free movement also promotes cultural and social exchanges between countries. Citizens will be able to better understand neighboring cultures, which will help to strengthen social cohesion and reduce ethnic tensions. In 2024, regional cultural festivals attracted thousands of participants and strengthened ties between member countries.
Improving Regional Security
Free movement can also help improve regional security. By facilitating cooperation between the security forces of the Member States, SADC will be better able to combat illicit activities at borders.
Challenges ahead
Insufficient infrastructure
Despite the progress made, challenges remain. Transport and communication infrastructure in many SADC countries are still insufficient. According to the 2022 SADC report, approximately 40% of roads in the region are in poor condition, hindering the movement of goods and people. Further investment is needed to modernize infrastructure.
Administrative barriers
Administrative barriers remain a major obstacle to free movement. Visa, travel document and customs control requirements can slow down travel. In 2023, a study found that 60% of travelers in the region experienced red tape-related difficulties while traveling.
Economic inequality
Economic inequalities between Member States can also hamper integration. Wealthier countries, such as South Africa, can benefit more from free movement than less developed countries. This could create tensions and imbalances within the CDIC. In 2023, South Africa’s per capita GDP was 6,000 USD, while Mozambique’s was only 500 USD.
Perspective and expected results of free movement
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
To overcome these challenges, it is essential to strengthen regional cooperation. Member States need to work together to harmonize policies and regulations on the movement of people and goods. Regional forums should be organized to discuss best practices and solutions to common problems.
Investments in Infrastructure
Massive infrastructure investments are needed to support free movement. Governments, working with international partners, should allocate funds to upgrade roads, ports, and airports. According to the AfDB, investing 100 billion USD in infrastructure could yield a return of 300 billion USD by 2030.
Awareness and Education
Raising public awareness of the benefits of free movement is important. Information campaigns should be carried out to inform people about the opportunities offered by regional integration. Education on passenger rights and administrative procedures can also facilitate travel.
