Towards a Purposeful Economic Integration in Africa: Free Movement of Persons in Lieu of Illegal Migration

Illegal migration has beguiled the youths of Africa, typified by the treacherous Mediterranean crossing to Europe in recent years. This migration typology, once instigated by political conflicts, is now driven by socio-economic factors. Emigration in search of green pastures is, however, dwarfed by the huge but inconspicuous intra-Africa movement by Africans across international borders for trade, cultural/family ties, and of course, safety from conflicts. But, as migration within and out of Africa is motivated by economic factors, this article examines the Africa Union’s agenda on economic integration through the lens of free movement of persons. It investigates the nexus between migration, free movement, and economic growth through integration; and further provides an outline of the African Union’s framework on migration, mainly free movement of persons. It does so with the view of putting forward a case for the revision of the present African Union’s fragmented and complex migration normative framework. This paper argues for the revision of the present policy of an unconditional progressive approach to free movement, and calls for the acceleration of economic integration in Africa through the said free movement of persons. This economic integration approach will act as a desirable catalyst for the overall continental integration aspirations.