On April 18, 2024, the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC), with support from the Open Society Foundations, hosted a high level technical consultative forum on free movement in Africa, held in Accra, Ghana. The primary objective was to delve into the obstacles hindering the ratification of the Free Movement Protocol (FMP) and to bolster the political and technical commitment of AU Member States towards its adoption.
The forum was strategically designed to augment both political and technical commitment and capacities towards embracing and implementing this key protocol.
Bridging aspirations with action
The African Union Free Movement Protocol, a foundation for continental integration and economic prosperity, underpins several development initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). ECOSOCC’s Head of Secretariat, William Carew, remarked on the forum, “The adoption of the FMP stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for continental integration and economic prosperity.”
However, he acknowledged the stark reality—the protocol has seen ratification by only four countries to date, exposing a significant gap between aspiration and implementation.
Addressing the complexities of free movement
The forum addressed various complex issues impeding the ratification process, including concerns over job displacement and the technical readiness of Member States to handle the implications of such a protocol. The event served as a platform for dialogue, sharing best practices, and crafting strategic approaches to navigate these challenges effectively.
Inspirational stories echo the need for change
Highlighting the human aspect behind the need for the FMP, Mr. Carew shared moving stories of individuals whose lives and aspirations could be transformed by the protocol. From entrepreneurs facing bureaucratic barriers to families separated by restrictive visa regimes, the stories of these individuals laid bare the urgent need for streamlined free movement across the continent.
Concrete steps toward realization
The forum produced several key outputs, including a declaration of commitment by political decision-makers from AU Member States. The declaration will act as a solid foundation for demonstrating increased political will and backing for the FMP’s ratification and domestication.
Additionally, the meeting developed a detailed plan outlining specific initiatives and actions that the AU must undertake to enhance the technical capacities of Member States, ensuring the effective implementation of the FMP.
A Unified Effort for a Prosperous Future
The discussions over the two-day forum were expected to pave the way for greater political and technical readiness among AU Member States to embrace the FMP. By cultivating a unified approach, ECOSOCC strives to turn the vision of a borderless, integrated, and resilient Africa into reality.
A call for continued collaboration
The high-level forum not only signified a step forward in the quest for African unity but also highlighted the essential role of collaborative platforms in addressing continental challenges.
The outcomes of the forum promise to contribute significantly to the shaping of a unified and thriving Africa.
