The African Development Bank Group, through its Regional Integration Coordination Office, and the African Union Commission's Department of Health, Humanitarian and Social Affairs are set to co-host a high-level symposium focused on advancing a visa-free Africa to foster economic prosperity. This significant event is scheduled for 13 February 2026, from 7:30 am to 9:30 am EAT (GMT+3), and will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The symposium addresses a critical aspect of Africa's integration aspirations: the ability of its people to move freely across national borders. According to the 10th edition of the Africa Visa Openness Index, released in December 2025 by the Bank Group and the African Union Commission, a mere 28.2 percent of intra-African travel is currently visa-free. Despite some recorded progress, over half of all journeys within the continent still necessitate visas, with newer systems like e-visas introducing additional costs and administrative hurdles.

In light of the accelerating implementation of key initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), advancing the free movement of persons has become more crucial than ever. This freedom is recognized as a vital catalyst for unlocking trade, investment, tourism, and job creation across the continent. Against this backdrop, the symposium aims to chart a more ambitious and practical course for Africa's mobility agenda.

Key objectives of the dialogue include highlighting practical reforms, sharing regional experiences, and outlining pathways to accelerate the implementation of free movement commitments. Ultimately, the symposium seeks to inspire collective action toward achieving a truly visa-free Africa, building significant momentum for the ratification and robust implementation of the African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.

The event will feature a distinguished roster of speakers, including H.E. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Former Chairperson of the African Union Commission, delivering the keynote address. Other prominent speakers include Amma A. Twum-Amoah (AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development), Mesfin Tasew Bekele (CEO of the Ethiopian Airlines Group), Clare Akamanzi (CEO of NBA Africa), Elias Mpedi Magosi (Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa Development Community), Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth (Deputy Secretary-General of the East African Community), Gabby Otchere-Darko (Chair of the Africa Prosperity Network and convenor of Africa Prosperity Dialogues), and Ras Mubarak (Founder of the Trans Africa Tourism & Unity Campaign). The session will be expertly facilitated by Dr. Joy Kategekwa, Director of the African Development Bank's Regional Integration Coordination Office, and Sabelo Mbokazi, African Union Commission's Head of Labour, Employment and Migration.