Why Moving Across Africa Still Feels Like Climbing a Mountain

By Cynthia Umeh

“Can you imagine needing a visa just to visit your cousin in Ghana?”
“Or paying endless fees just to drive through countries where the people look exactly like you?”

These were the kinds of questions that set the tone at the YouthHub Africa documentary screening on Friday, August 29. The room was full of young people, advocates, and storytellers who came together to reflect on the ease of movement of Africans within the continent and the barriers that still stand in the way of our unity. We are happy to be part of this important gathering.

The documentary we watched followed the journey of Nigerian motorist Ebaide, who set out to travel across 20 African countries. Her journey was exciting, bold, and at times very emotional. She showed us the deserts of the north, the green roads of the south, and the vibrant communities in between. She also showed us the heart of Africa through the kindness of ordinary people who welcomed her, shared food with her, and offered her help when she needed it. These moments reminded us that Africa’s greatest strength is in the humanity and generosity of its people.

But her journey also exposed the struggles that many of us know too well. She talked about spending weeks waiting for visas, being harassed at checkpoints, and feeling like an outsider in places that should have felt like home. It was painful to watch her speak about being turned back at borders or forced to pay unnecessary fees simply because of where she was from. Many of us in the room could relate to these experiences. Some remembered being delayed at airports. Others remembered the fear of carrying cash for bribes just to get through a checkpoint. Others spoke of the sadness of seeing how divided Africa feels, even though we call ourselves one people.

After the film, the room came alive with conversation. People shared personal stories of their own struggles with borders and travel across Africa. There was laughter at the small details we all recognised, but also frustration at how unfair the situation remains. Together, we discussed how free movement could change the lives of ordinary Africans for the better. Imagine students being able to study anywhere on the continent without restrictions. Imagine traders moving goods across borders without harassment. Imagine families being able to visit one another without fear or humiliation.

We also talked about the importance of policies that already exist, such as the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These agreements can create a future where Africans are able to travel, trade, and connect more easily. They can open doors for economic growth, cultural exchange, and stronger unity. However, we all agreed that policies will not make a difference unless governments truly implement them and citizens keep demanding accountability.

For us at Shades of Us, the screening was a reminder that real change begins with ordinary people. Leaders may speak about unity, but it is up to us to keep pushing for it. We need to raise our voices, share our stories, and demand a continent where borders are safe, fair, and open for everyone.

Key takeaway: Africa will only become stronger when Africans can move freely. The more we talk about it, the more we share our experiences, and the more we push for action, the closer we get to building a united continent. Unity is not just a dream. It is something we can achieve if we stand together and demand it.