Why Is It Still so Difficult to Travel within Africa?

Alongside exorbitant flight prices, in 46 percent of scenarios for African travelers travelling within the continent, a visa is required ahead of departure — down from 47 percent in 2022 and 55 percent in 2016. Only four countries — The Gambia, Republic of Benin, Seychelles and Rwanda — have abolished visa requirements for all Africans. According to the Africa Visa Openness Index 2023, only 28 percent of intra-Africa travel scenarios are visa-free for African travelers.

There is also a shortage of direct flights connecting African travelers between countries. This lack of adequate connectivity is prominent even amongst countries that share the same region.

Travelers from outside the continent are likely to enjoy easier, visa-free travel when visiting the continent. Citizens from countries like the U.S. and Canada can visit 20 percent of African countries without a visa or can procure a visa on arrival at 35 percent of countries.

An IATA report shows that intra-African flights are 45 percent more expensive than intra-European counterparts. In 2021, the African Airlines Association found that African passengers are subjected to a $50 tax payment while traveling, whereas passengers in Europe pay $30.25 and $29.65 in the Middle East, all for the same flight time.

Aaccording to Henry Egeonu, assistant chief legal officer at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, “One factor is limited airline competition, which can drive up prices. Another factor is the lack of efficient transportation infrastructure in some regions. Additionally, visa requirements and travel restrictions can make it more difficult for Africans to travel within the continent.” On the part of the government bodies, Egeonu shares that some of them impose high taxes and fees on airlines, thereby increasing ticket prices.

“Secondly, the lack of open skies agreements between African countries limits competition and keeps prices high. Additionally, inconsistent regulations and bureaucratic hurdles can make it challenging for airlines to operate efficiently,” Egeonu says.

For travel vloggers and agents like Amaku, these factors contribute to the low intra-continental travel rate among Africans and while the easing of visa policies for Africans could fix the problem in the long term, cheaper and more direct flights could immediately increase the rate at which Africans travel within the continent.

A limiting reality

Travel curator Oge Onuoha started in the travel industry two years ago. At Skies and Seas, the agency she runs, Morocco, Tanzania, Mauritius, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Rwanda and Seychelles are the nine most popular countries she helps her clients plan trips to. For her Nigerian clients, most of these countries have complex and drawn-out visa application processes. A fact that remains a hassle for her business.

“Next is the difficult navigation around the continent,” she tells OkayAfrica. “Unlike in Europe, where you can easily access different European countries through direct flights and trains, to visit certain African countries from Nigeria, you may have to travel for over 24 hours (layovers included).”

Onuoha believes that a perception shift is necessary to solve the issue of intra-Africa travel for people from countries like Nigeria. “We need to change public perception about Nigerians by strictly adhering to the laws of the countries we visit and completely avoiding being in compromising situations,” she says.

And for the continent, Onuoha advocates for increased synergy between governments to help “improve relationships amongst African countries, ease geopolitical tensions and security threats, improve economic cooperation, and enhance investment policies, cultural exchanges, technology and innovation.”

Opening new frontiers

For Amaku, the best part of visiting a new African country is the thrill of discovering new things, but also deepening her connection to her identity as an African.

“I like to see different cultures. For example, I found out that Zanzibar is the biggest spice exporter in Africa. Most of the spices we consume come from Zanzibar. I didn't know that,” Amaku says.

The sense of wonder and delight she experiences is something many Africans, including the clients she works with at her agency, may never be able to enjoy, owing to the existing difficulties plaguing intra-Africa travel.

Amaku says she is excitedly waiting for local airlines to launch more African routes, reduce flight prices, and make travel within the continent more accessible to Africans. “I have other businesses, but my travel business has suffered the most this year because of how inaccessible travel has become,” she says.

“Before now, with about 2 million Naira (about $1,500), you would get access to a holiday, but now you need almost double the amount. It just doesn't sit right with me. The availability [of direct flights] will also aid the emergence of more stories and more perspectives because the people in travel vlogging right now are just a handful, because it's a very expensive niche.”

Egeonu also echoes Onuoha’s suggestion for increased cooperation between African governments. “One important step is for governments to work together and establish open skies agreements.” As Egeonu sees it, these agreements would bolster competition and force a significant reduction in flight prices as airlines will operate freely.

“Simplifying visa processes and reducing travel restrictions would encourage more people to explore different parts of Africa. It's a complex challenge, but with collaboration and investment, we can make travel within Africa more accessible for everyone,” Egeonu says.