African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma recently had her last opening speech. Although only symbolic at the event she handed over the new African passport to AU chairperson, Chad president Idriss Déby. This led to a frenzy of people asking when they can get theirs.
Here is what you need to know.
Picture sourced from http://thisisafrica.me/african-union-to-introduce-an-african-passport/
1. What the main purpose of the passport is.
Trade. As a continent, we want to increase relation between the nations and by allowing free movement of Africans this is a great start.
2. Who can get an African Passport?
Visa-free access will be given to all citizens IF their country is part of the African Union.
Unfortunately, the passport is initially only going to be processed for AU dignitaries and officials.
3. When can you get the African Passport?
The target date is 2018 but analysts have predicted 2020 as the more realistic timeframe.
4. Any issues that may occur?
One of the biggest criticisms that the passport has faced is the fact that millions of African people are undocumented and as a result launching a system that requires basic information just isn’t a possibility.
For more information : http://mg.co.za/article/2016-04-07-african-heads-of-state-to-carry-african-passport-by-july
Original article : http://businesstech.co.za/news/general/130532/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-visa-free-africa-passport/
Written by Hulisani Khorombi, Assistant Editor #MyGirlSquad
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