The Challenges and Prospects of Passport-Free Travel in Africa Using Biometrics

Willys Mac’Olale , Director of Fragomen Kenya

An interview with Willys Mac’Olale, Director of Fragomen Kenya, on the innovative opportunities and barriers in using biometrics, particularly facial recognition, for passport-free travel. African countries must make an innovative leap to reach a new level of development that will improve the lives of people in Africa.

1. What are the main drivers behind the shift to passport less travel and facial recognition in countries like the US, UAE and Europe?  

There are a number of reasons for this adoption including;

• Enhnaced security – The fact that passport less travel typically relies on biometric data which is more secure and harder to forge than traditional passports reduces the risk of identity theft and fraud.
• Streamlining Travel Processes – these systems can significantly speed up travel processes. Automated border control systems using biometrics allow travellers to move quickly though checkpoints reducing queues and wait times at points of entries and departures.
• Improving Traveller Experience – by eliminating the need to carry physical documents, passport-less travels offers a more convenient experience to travellers.
• Technological advances – advances in biometric technology and data storage have made this feasible. Countries are increasingly investing in these technologies as part of broader process to modernize border security and immigration processes.
• Public health considerations – Covid 19 left behind a numbers of key lessons and innovations. Passport-less travels will be key in ensuring contactless travel processes to reduce physical interactions and the risk of spreading infections.
• Global Competitiveness – Countries are keen to adopt the systems in order to position themselves as attractive destinations for tourism and business.

2. How will these technologies impact the immigration process in Africa, both for citizens traveling abroad and foreign nationals entering African countries?  

From the onset, Africa and African countries must open and embrace the changes that spring up globally as a result of global and technological advancements. As outlined in question 1 above, there are myriad benefits that African stands to gain if it were to fully adopt a passport-less travel regime. There would indeed be an element of enhance security and seamless border control processes. It could also help fastrack regional intergartion goals as envisioned in in the AU single passport for Africa. Passport-less travel systems would also ease the movement of people across African borders as envisioned by the AfCFTA. The effect on overseas travellers cannot be overemphasized as it will be clearer and more straight forward than the document intensive passport system.

3. What are the potential benefits and risks associated with adopting facial recognition and passport-less travel in Africa? 

The benefits have already been highlighted above. The challenges for African countries on adoption of this system would stem from the following:

• Infrasructure gaps – the implementation of the systems would require significant investment in digital infrastructure, including reliable internet, secure databases and biometric scanners. Many African countries may face challenges in deploying such technologies. There is a potential risk that countries or regions with less developed digital infrastructure to be left behind.
• Data Privacy – The use of biometric data raises significant concerns about privacy and data protection. In many African countries, data protection laws are still developing and there could be risks related to misuse of personal information. There is also a potential risk of certain populations being excluded from the passport-less systems if they do not have access to the necessary technology or if their biometric data is not accurately captured.

4. What steps can African governments and immigration authorities take to prepare for and embrace these technological changes? 

As stated above, African countries must remain proactive and adaptive to these changes. Africa could indeed leapfrog older technologies and directly implement cutting edge solutions. With the right investments and partnerships, they could become leaders in innovative immigration technologies.

5. How can Africa leverage these advancements to streamline its immigration processes and enhance border security while still protecting individual privacy rights? 

 To protect individual privacy rights, all African governments must be deliberate in putting in place the right data protection and cutting edge border security laws that look into various aspects and cover a wide range of national and people security all at the same time.

6. What are some innovative ways that African startups and tech companies are harnessing facial recognition and biometrics to transform the immigration sector?

• Startups are developing biometric digital identity platforms that provide secure and verifiable identities for individuals. These solutions are designed to work across borders, helping to facilitate easier movement for travelers and immigrants. For example, companies like Smile Identity, a Nigerian Start up,  provide biometric identity verification services that can be integrated into immigration systems to verify the identities of travelers and migrants.
• African tech companies are developing automated border control systems that use facial recognition and other biometric technologies to streamline entry and exit processes. These systems reduce the need for manual passport checks, speeding up the immigration process while maintaining high security standards. Envision IT, has been involved in developing smart border solutions using biometric data.
• Startups are deploying e-gates equipped with facial recognition technology at airports and border crossings. These e-gates allow travelers to pass through immigration checkpoints quickly and securely by scanning their faces, eliminating the need for manual passport stamping. Techno Brain, a technology firm in Africa, has been involved in implementing such solutions in various African countries.
• Mobile apps that use facial recognition and other biometric data for identity verification are being developed to assist in the immigration process. These apps can be used by both immigration authorities and travelers to streamline document checks, visa applications, and other immigration-related processes. For example, M-KOPA has been exploring ways to integrate biometric verification into its mobile-based services, which could extend to immigration applications.
• Startups are creating systems that use biometrics to register and manage refugees and displaced persons more effectively. These systems help in ensuring that refugees have secure and verifiable identities, which can be critical for accessing services and crossing borders. The UNHCR has collaborated with African tech companies to implement biometric systems for refugee registration in countries like Kenya and Uganda.
• Some African startups are combining biometrics with blockchain technology to create secure, tamper-proof digital identities. This can be particularly useful in immigration, as it allows for the secure sharing and verification of identity data across borders without the risk of data being altered or lost. For instance, FlexFinTx, a Zimbabwean startup, is working on blockchain-based identity solutions that could have applications in immigration.
• Companies are integrating facial recognition with AI-powered surveillance systems to monitor and secure borders. These systems can detect and alert authorities to suspicious activities or individuals attempting to cross borders illegally. Startups like DataProphet in South Africa are leveraging AI and machine learning, which could be applied in border security and surveillance.
• Startups are developing platforms that allow for biometric data to be submitted during visa applications, reducing the need for physical appointments at embassies or consulates. This not only speeds up the visa application process but also enhances security by ensuring that the person applying for the visa is the same person who arrives at the border.
• In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased focus on integrating health data with biometric identification. Some startups are working on “health passports” that combine biometric verification with vaccination or health status data, which can be used at borders to ensure the safe movement of people during health crises. Covitech is an example of a company working on health data solutions that could integrate with biometric systems. Startups are developing regional platforms that allow for cross-border digital identity verification, which is particularly useful for regions with integrated economic zones or trade agreements. These platforms can facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people across borders by allowing authorities to quickly verify the identities of travelers and traders using biometric data.