The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has published a new report, Africa on the Move: Boosting Mobility and Connectivity, to coincide with the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, held from 11–12 May.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of mobility and connectivity across Africa, highlighting both the “soft” mobility of people, goods, and services, and the “hard” infrastructure needed to connect a continent spanning more than 30 million km² — over seven times larger than the European Union.
It also highlights commitments already made at the African level, although many have yet to be fully implemented.
The report underscores the importance of improving mobility and connectivity to accelerate continental integration, support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and encourage regular migration within Africa. These measures are seen as essential for unlocking domestic resources and harnessing the continent’s economic potential.
According to the report, full implementation of the AfCFTA could increase intra-African trade to 53% from the current 18%, grow the manufacturing sector by $1 trillion, generate $470 billion in income, and create 14 million jobs by 2035.
Migration trends also reveal strong intra-continental movement, with more than 72% of sub-Saharan African migrants remaining within Africa in search of better economic and social opportunities.
Despite the opportunities, the report notes several barriers to mobility and connectivity.
Only four countries — Mali, Niger, Rwanda, and São Tomé and Príncipe — have ratified the African Union’s 2018 Free Movement of Persons Protocol. Currently, only 28% of African citizens can travel within Africa without requiring a visa.
Trade across the continent also continues to face obstacles, including customs duties, non-tariff barriers, differing standards and regulations, and limited currency convertibility, which reportedly costs Africa around $5 billion annually in conversion fees.
On infrastructure, the report says Africa’s transport systems remain largely designed for exporting raw commodities outside the continent rather than improving internal connectivity. Travel within Africa remains slower, more expensive, and less direct than in many other regions globally.
Road transport remains dominant but is often unsafe and disconnected, while rail systems suffer from outdated infrastructure, limited interoperability, and high operating costs. At least 13 African countries still lack direct rail access to seaports.
The report also notes increased infrastructure investment from global partners, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, though concerns remain around sustainability and climate resilience.
Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said:
“Africa will not harness its potential while mobility is restricted and connectivity remains outdated. We talk endlessly about African integration and then make it harder for an African citizen to cross a border within their own continent than to leave it altogether. That must change.”
He added that Africa must accelerate regional integration to better utilise its natural resources and growing population.
Read the full report here:
