SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY – THE CASE FOR SMART BORDERS IN AFRICA

On the continent of Africa, vast and varied landscape, borders often act as both gateways to opportunity and barriers to progress. As countries pursue deeper integration, the idea of “smart borders” is gaining traction as a practical solution to long-standing challenges. Smart borders use technologies such as biometrics, artificial intelligence, automated scanners, and digital data-sharing platforms to make cross-border movement faster, safer, and more efficient. With the rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which envisions a unified market of 1.4 billion people, these innovations could transform porous and inefficient borders into engines for trade and mobility. Organizations like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) argue that a “border-smart” approach supports the African Union’s Agenda 2063, promoting an integrated continent where economic and cultural connections transcend physical boundaries.

Traditional border management in Africa has long faced major inefficiencies slow customs procedures, corruption, and weak infrastructure. At many border posts, truck drivers wait days or even weeks, contributing to logistics costs that can reach up to 40% of total supply-chain expenses in sub-Saharan Africa. These delays limit intra-African trade, which remains at just 15–20% of the continent’s total commerce. They also create gaps that allow smuggling, human trafficking, and counterfeit goods to thrive. Recent global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict exposed these vulnerabilities further, affecting food security and economic stability. Landlocked countries, especially in the Sahel, are disproportionately impacted as poor connectivity reinforces their isolation and slows development.

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The economic argument for smart borders is strong. Digitizing border operations and reducing non-tariff barriers could boost Africa’s collective income by an estimated $450 billion by 2035 and lift around 30 million people out of extreme poverty. Electronic single-window platforms, which let traders submit all required documents through one digital portal, have already demonstrated their value by dramatically reducing clearance times and enabling real-time tracking of goods. Regional economic blocs such as the East African Community (EAC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) show early success: integrated visas and digital passport systems have helped raise trade flows within these regions, reaching up to 20% in some cases. For entrepreneurs and investors, smarter borders mean quicker access to markets, fewer delays, and greater opportunities for innovation.

Security is another significant advantage. Smart border systems can strengthen the continent’s ability to detect and prevent illicit activities without hindering legitimate movement. AI-driven risk profiling and automated cargo scanners help identify suspicious shipments, while blockchain provides secure, tamper-proof records across supply chains.

Given the security threats facing parts of the continent from terrorism in the Sahel to piracy near the Horn of Africa better surveillance and data sharing are essential. Digital visa systems, highlighted by the African Visa Openness Index, show how e-visas and visa-on-arrival policies in countries such as Benin and Seychelles can support safe mobility while promoting cultural and economic exchange.

Several African countries are already demonstrating what smart borders can look like in practice. Ghana uses biometric e-gates to verify traveler identities quickly, while Nigeria employs Internet of Things (IoT) technology to track containers in its ports. Rwanda’s electronic single window has reduced customs clearance times from 11 days to under 24 hours, and its model is now inspiring blockchain-based systems in the EAC. South Africa’s revenue service uses AI to prioritize high-risk cargo, and one-stop border posts such as Chirundu between Zambia and Zimbabwe reduce duplication by allowing joint inspections from multiple agencies.

Real-world experiences across the continent reveal the potential benefits. Kenya’s KenTrade system at Mombasa port has improved cargo processing for both local businesses and landlocked neighbors like Uganda. In West Africa, the ECOWAS passport makes regional movement easier for millions of migrants seeking employment. South Africa’s Border Management Authority is also adopting long-range surveillance technologies to improve border monitoring and safety.

Bias in AI systems could affect asylum seekers or marginalized groups, while excessive data collection might push vulnerable migrants toward more dangerous routes. Addressing root causes such as inequality, climate stress, and governance issues is essential for ensuring that smart borders do not unintentionally cause harm.

In the end, the success of smart borders in Africa depends on balancing technological innovation with fairness, transparency, and regional cooperation. With coordinated support from the African Union, regional communities, and partners like UNDP, smart borders could play a transformative role in shaping a more connected, prosperous, and secure continent.