Breaking Visa Barriers: Unlocking Intra-African Trade for a Sustainable Energy Future by Jennifer Ezeli

In the quest for a unified African economy, barriers like restrictive visa policies have long hindered progress, particularly in the energy sector. The recently concluded African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers brought this issue into sharp focus, revealing both challenges and triumphs in fostering cross-border collaboration.

Attendees, including representatives from Oando PLC, navigated initial hurdles such as visa delays but emerged praising the event’s success in promoting intra-African trade. As Alero Balogun, General Manager of Corporate Communications at Oando, noted, the fair’s location in Algeria initially raised questions, yet it proved a masterstroke in bridging North and Sub-Saharan Africa. High-level discussions, energized by figures like Professor Benedict Oramah, Afreximbank’s President, emphasized dismantling silos to accelerate trade and investment.

Oando’s participation underscored the energy industry’s stake in this dialogue. With expansions like the Block KON 13 operatorship in Angola and the Guaracara Refinery lease in Trinidad and Tobago, the company is actively building bridges across continents. These moves align with Afreximbank’s goals, where sessions on compliance and financing highlighted the need for streamlined processes to attract capital.

Speaking at the event, Oando Group Chief Executive Adewale Tinubu addressed the barriers head-on. “Something as basic as visas should not be a stumbling block. You can get one European Union visa to go to 20 countries, but in Africa, I still need multiple visas to travel within my own continent,” he said, highlighting the archaic systems that impede business. Tinubu further urged leaders to prioritize the “software of integration,” including ease of travel and cross-border payments. “It is archaic that it’s easier to do business in Europe than within Africa. If we are truly serious about the Continental Free Trade Area, we must address these basics,” he added.

A key takeaway: Visa reforms are crucial for energy security. By easing mobility, Africa can better leverage its resources, as seen in Oando’s 32% upstream production growth and clean energy initiatives, including a 1.2-gigawatt solar project. Events like the Nigeria Climate Change Forum, where Balogun shared insights on Nigeria’s unique challenges, further amplify the call for adaptive, inclusive strategies.

Mentorship and leadership also play a role. Balogun’s appointment to the AOW 2025 Advisory Board and her mentorship at The Comms Avenue signal a commitment to guiding the next generation through these complexities.

As Africa pushes toward Agenda 2063, breaking visa barriers isn’t just logistical, it’s transformative. Companies like Oando are proving that with collaboration, the continent can unlock its full potential, creating an energy landscape that’s interconnected, sustainable, and prosperous for all.

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