Africa-Press – Eswatini. Government is in full support of the proposed AU unified African passport and is already developing a policy in readiness for it’s implementation.
Recent reports suggest that Rwanda joins Tanzania, Seychelles, Gambia, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa among other to push for the Visa-free Africa to accelerate tourism flow, cross-border connectivity and AfCFTA mobility across the continent in 2026.
Both the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed government’s full support of the proposed AU unified African passport to Eswatini Positive News.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs of the Kingdom of Eswatini welcomes the continued efforts by the African Union to advance continental integration, including initiatives such as the proposed African passport,” said Principal Secretary (PS) Nhlanhla Nxumalo.
Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
He added, “As a committed Champion Country in the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), Eswatini remains fully aligned with the broader vision of facilitating safe, orderly, and regular migration across Africa.”
From a policy perspective, Nxumalo noted that, the Kingdom supports regional and continental aspirations that promote mobility, economic integration, and tourism development.
In particular, he said, Eswatini has consistently engaged within SADC frameworks, including ongoing discussions around the SADC Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons, which provides a structured and phased approach toward freer movement within the region.
“Our position is that regional integration serves as a critical building block toward broader continental objectives such as the African passport. At the same time, the government adopts a balanced and pragmatic approach. While we recognise the potential benefits of enhanced mobility—including increased tourism flows, trade, cultural exchange, and investment—we also remain mindful of important national security, border management, and administrative readiness considerations,” said Nxumalo.
Border governance mechanisms
These include, he said, ensuring robust identity management systems, secure travel documents, data protection frameworks, and effective border governance mechanisms to safeguard both citizens and visitors.
Nxumalo disclosed that in line with this, Eswatini is undertaking several key initiatives:
• The development and anticipated operationalisation of the National Migration Policy, which seeks to provide a coherent framework for managing migration in alignment with regional and international standards;
• The establishment of a National Migration Data Hub, aimed at strengthening evidence-based decision-making, risk analysis, and inter-agency coordination;
• Continued reforms to the immigration legal framework to align with evolving migration dynamics and international obligations;
• Active participation in African Union processes and protocols, ensuring that national positions are consistent with ratified instruments and the country’s development priorities.
With regard to tourism, the PS pointed out that the Kingdom recognises that facilitating mobility is central to unlocking Africa’s full tourism potential.
As such, he said, Eswatini continues to support initiatives that promote regional tourism circuits, streamlined visa regimes, and improved border efficiencies, while ensuring that such measures are implemented in a manner that is secure, sustainable, and mutually beneficial.
“Eswatini is supportive of the vision underpinning the African passport and the broader continental integration agenda. However, implementation is best pursued through a phased, coordinated, and security-conscious approach, anchored in regional frameworks such as SADC and aligned with national preparedness and institutional capacity,” he said.
Nxumalo disclosed that they remain committed to working collaboratively with regional and continental partners to advance a migration system that is both facilitative and secure.
On another note, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Communications Officer, Sikhumbuzo Bhembe, also affirmed government’s support.
Collaborate with line Ministries
“Our part is mainly to establish and mantain relations. Once relations have been established, we collaborate with line ministries by giving them a lead role on issues touching on their services and operations,” said Bhembe.
The African Union (AU) unified passport is a flagship project under Agenda 2063 designed to facilitate visa-free travel, labor mobility, and trade across all 55 member states. While symbolically launched in 2016 for heads of state and diplomats, a broader rollout for the general public has faced delays and is now anticipated as early as 2026–2027.
Key Details of the AU Passport
Purpose: To replace national passports for travel within the continent, exempting bearers from visa requirements across all AU member states.
Status: Currently, it is primarily limited to diplomats, AU officials, and heads of state. The transition to public issuance depends on member states ratifying the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and aligning national policies.
Benefits: The initiative aims to boost intra-African trade, tourism, and knowledge exchange while fostering a shared Pan-African identity.
Technical Specifications: The passport is designed to meet international standards (ICAO) regarding design, production, and security features.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
