Free trade and mobility in Africa: what is at stake?

Both are vital for Africa’s development but governments are more committed to free trade than free movement of people.

Free trade and the free movement of people are both crucial for Africa’s long-term development. Although they are complementary, governments show more political will for implementing free trade than allowing free movement of people. This policy brief explores the relationship between the African Continental Free Trade Area and the movement of people. It makes suggestions about how Africa can better use the opportunities presented by both.

About the authors

Margaret Monyani is a Senior Researcher on migration at the Institute for Security Studies. Her areas of interest include migration governance, gender and migration for development.

Ottilia Anna Maunganidze is the Head of Special Projects at the Institute for Security Studies. She works on institutional strategy, human security, international law and emerging trends and policy.

Image: Adapted from Axel Drainville