Chad’s Visa-Free Decision Wins Continental Praise, Sparks Fresh Calls Across Africa
Chad’s decision to grant visa-free entry to citizens of every African country has won the backing of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), with the labour body describing the move as a major boost for regional integration and economic growth.
The organisation said the policy, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, could open new opportunities for workers, businesses and investors while encouraging other African countries to rethink restrictions on movement across the continent.
In a statement, ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, described the decision as a practical step towards building an Africa where people can move more freely to work, trade, invest and share knowledge.
He said removing visa barriers would enable Africans to benefit more from opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while strengthening trade, tourism, investment and skills exchange.
According to Odigie, Africa’s economic integration cannot fully succeed if its people continue to face barriers when travelling from one country to another.
“Africa cannot achieve meaningful economic integration while the movement of its people remains restricted. Goods and services do not move by themselves; they are carried, produced, traded and delivered by workers, entrepreneurs and communities,” he said.
He added that easier movement across borders would create employment opportunities, reduce youth unemployment and allow businesses to access skilled workers from across the continent.
While applauding Chad’s initiative, ITUC-Africa stressed that expanding free movement must go hand in hand with stronger protection for workers.
The organisation said Africans seeking jobs outside their home countries should enjoy fair working conditions, equal treatment, social protection, freedom of association and protection against exploitation, discrimination, forced labour and abusive recruitment.
“Freer movement must be accompanied by stronger protection for workers,” Odigie said.
He also urged the Chadian government to support the policy with effective border management, clear administrative procedures and practical measures that safeguard the rights and dignity of migrant workers.
ITUC-Africa further called on governments across Africa to accelerate the implementation of the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons,
Right of Residence and Right of Establishment, saying the continent’s integration agenda can only succeed when Africans are able to move freely in search of opportunities.
The organisation commended Chad for taking what it described as a bold step, expressing hope that the decision would encourage more countries to embrace policies that promote decent work, stronger economies and shared prosperity across Africa.
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