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The United States' renewed travel restrictions on many African countries could have far-reaching consequences beyond diplomatic tension, economic experts warn, posing a risk to the region's development by disrupting remittances, trade flows and diaspora-led investment.
While the measures are officially justified on security grounds, economists say they may inadvertently undermine economic ties between Africa and the US, one of the continent's key trading partners.
"The ban doesn't just close borders — it cuts off opportunity," said Socrates Majune, an economist at the University of Nairobi in Kenya.
"Remittances from Africans living in the US play a critical role in many economies. This ban could limit that flow, reducing foreign exchange (reserves) and slowing local investment."
The US hosts one of the largest African diaspora populations in the world, Majune said, arguing that beyond sending remittances, these communities are essential players in trade, investment and entrepreneurship between the two sides.
The broader concern, he said, is that uncertainty surrounding visas could deter long-term planning and discourage future engagement in education, research, and professional exchanges — sectors that often serve as pipelines for skills and investments back to African economies.
At a time when unemployment remains a pressing issue across the continent, such restrictions may intensify domestic pressure on African governments and potentially contribute to political and social instability, Majune warned.
Last month, the US implemented a sweeping travel ban affecting nationals from 12 countries, including several African and Middle Eastern nations such as Sudan and Iran. The proclamation cited national security concerns and inadequate information-sharing practices — saying the move was needed to protect the US against "foreign terrorists".
Stringent requirements
In addition, the US said it is considering imposing a similar ban to 36 additional countries — 25 of them in Africa, including Egypt, Zimbabwe and Nigeria — giving them 60 days to meet stringent vetting and data-sharing requirements or risk facing similar travel bans.
Some African governments are pushing back. The African Union has called for a review of the policy, labeling it "discriminatory".
Leaders in Nigeria, Sudan and Chad have criticized the policy for undermining educational exchange, economic mobility and diplomatic ties, stating that the travel limits risk undercutting partnerships on health, education and climate goals.
The AU Commission said it remains concerned about the potential negative effects of such measures on people-to-people ties, educational exchange, commercial engagement and the broader diplomatic relations "that have been carefully nurtured over decades".
The commission said it hopes the US will adopt a more consultative approach and engage in constructive dialogue with the countries concerned.
For many individuals, the effect is deeply personal. Robert Nan Njaba, an engineering consultant from Chad, had been hoping to return to the US to complete his PhD in engineering. However, Chad remains one of the countries facing full travel restrictions. Despite his efforts to secure a visa, Njaba says the process is now futile.
"I invested so much time preparing, doing interviews and research, believing I'd finish my studies," he told Al Jazeera. "Now, it all feels wasted. I feel helpless because there is nothing I can do."
As African countries deepen economic reforms and strengthen ties with multiple global partners, Majune of the University of Nairobi said restrictive US policies may push some countries to move away from traditional Western relationships.
"It's not about charity," he said. "It's about connection. That's what builds strong economies and better futures."
