We all want secure, safe and easy travel.  However, with traveller numbers surging to record levels and governments wanting to unlock tourism’s full economic potential, resource-strapped immigration, intelligence and border agencies face a critical challenge:  How to handle rising demand without compromising security?

It’s a question they will grapple with when meeting this week in Addis Ababa to discuss digitalised biometric-powered traveller processes and how they can be used to promote social-economic development while countering organised international crime, terrorism and the spread of contagious diseases. 

Travel and tourism have a central place in this conversation as they are critical to national growth and prosperity.

This is a global challenge but with the right approach, even small steps can unlock big improvements, and African nations are well-placed to lead.

Growth in demand for travel

African air travel is growing fast.  Last year, passenger numbers jumped nearly 15%, and capacity expanded by 11%, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).  Long starved of investment, African governments are improving airport infrastructure to boost visitor numbers.   Ethiopia’s US$7.8 billion, four-runway, Bishoftu mega-airport may be the continent’s biggest but it is one of several developments.  Morocco is investing US$4.1 billion in airport expansions ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup and Luanda’s new Dr Agostinho Neto International recently opened for business.

The border challenge in focus

Increased passenger numbers and shiny new terminals won’t deliver the full benefits unless borders keep pace.    

Simultaneously, to improve global security, the UN Security Council has resolved to strengthen member states’ ability to track potential terrorist movements.  Despite successes in South Africa and Angola many African countries are still thinking about how to develop or enhance such capabilities.  

From static systems to dynamic responses

Border security must remain the priority alongside infrastructure expansion. However, it must reflect the technology advancements that are changing traveller expectations and presenting new security threats.  

Borders must not become bottlenecks.  Interoperability, speed, coordination and adaptability are fundamental.  Dynamic, digitalised tech-driven borders let governments adjust policies and procedures in real-time, strengthening security and enhancing their countries’ attractiveness as destinations for travel, trade, tourism and investment.  It requires a mindset shift to think of borders as a vital part of an integrated, connected system instead of just a checkpoint.

Why integration matters

Effective borders involve immigration, customs, public health, intelligence and law enforcement agencies.  A siloed approach fuels fragmentation, inefficiencies and creates serious security gaps, whereas an integrated model brings together data and decision-making across agencies. Integration delivers a single-window view of each traveller or item entering a country.  It makes assessments simpler, responses faster and leaves resources focused where they’re needed most.

The good news is that African countries aren’t hamstrung by outdated legacy systems so they can leapfrog advanced Western economies by adopting an integrated borders concept.

A better experience at the border

IATA reports that over 70 per cent of travellersface long queues and repeated document checks. This causes frustration and drains resources even when most travellers are not a risk.

By pre-clearing travellers before they arrive, using secure digital identities and tapping into real-time data, border agencies will relieve congestion and process people more efficiently.  Because airport and border experiences make indelible first and last impressions, improved traveller and shipper experiences will promote a positive image of an airport and a country.

Start small. Think big.

Some of the most effective changes start small with a consistent, collaborative and modular approach.

The advancement of digital travel credentials (DTCs) is a case in point.  Worldwide there is soaring demand for faster, contactless travel processes – with over 60% of passengers saying they would pay for a DTC.   Aruba’s pre-clearance DTC pilot has proven it is possible to move passengers through the border in just eight seconds, while also improving passenger data accuracy and compliance.   

How countries can quickly make progress

These focused steps can soothe immediate pain points and lay the groundwork for more ambitious transformation.

It needs near-term and long-term views, i.e.

• what can be improved now with minimal disruption?
• how will these improvements contribute to a larger vision of a fully digital, integrated, dynamic, and even more secure border?

Small actions, thoughtfully executed, can build momentum for big change.

A unique opportunity for Africa

Borders will always be about anticipating and managing risk. But by rethinking how people, goods and information move across borders, African governments can build more secure, efficient and agile systems that are aligned with how the world works today and, crucially, that balance security with the economic benefits of increasing travel and tourism.

Pedro Alves is a Vice President Global Business Development at SITA (Société Internationale de Télécommunication Aéronautique), the global air transport industry-owned IT-tech organisation that works with over 75 governments— including every G20 nation — to modernise airport and border operations.

Ethiopia and Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations in 1996. Over the years, bilateral ties have strengthened. However, there are still a lot of untapped opportunities within the bilateral relations between the nations and there is less awareness about Uzbekistan in Ethiopia. This article serves as an introduction to Uzbekistan and explores opportunities that could benefit both countries.

Uzbekistan is a Turkic nation located in Central Asia bordering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. If we break down the country’s name, “stan” means land, therefore Uzbekistan translates to “the land of Uzbeks.” Uzbekistan houses 37 million people and many ancient cities. Three of the most prominent being Samarkand (2800 years old), Karshi (2700 years old) and Bukhara (around 2000 years old). The nation’s rich history doesn’t stop with its architectural feats. Uzbekistan has a rich history of contributing to the world’s progress. We can recall famous historical figures Uzbekistan gave birth to. Muhammad al-Khorazmi, a famous mathematician, was born in ancient Khorezm. Khorazmi invented algebra, a fundamental math concept that is taught all over the world today, with the name “algebra” originating from the name of his book “al-jabr” (al jabr w’al muqabala). He also invented algorithms which would later lead to the invention of the computer and other modern technologies.

Another famous historical figure from the land of Uzbekistan is Ibn Sina. Ibn Sina is better known as Avicenna, and he is considered one of the founders of early medicine. Al-Biruni is another important scientist born in Beruni, Uzbekistan. Biruni used trigonometry to calculate the radius of the Earth using measurements of the height of a hill and measurement of the dip in the horizon from the top of that hill. His calculated radius for the Earth is 3928.77 miles. This was two percent higher than the actual mean radius of 3847.80 miles but was an achievement that bested many other contributions to science at the time. The list goes on as there are many other Uzbeks that contributed to the development of the world as we see it today.

There are various sectors Uzbekistan and Ethiopia can cooperate with and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Tourism is one of such sectors. Ethiopia, known for its fascinating nature and authentic culture, could be a new destination for travelers from Uzbekistan. Similarly, Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heritage, ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites could attract Ethiopian travelers.

Trade and Investment are also potential spheres to collaborate. Uzbekistan is famous for its agricultural products, cotton exports. When it comes to Ethiopia, the country is known for its coffee and different agricultural goods that could be exported to Central Asian markets.

In recent years, Uzbekistan developed itself as a top destination for investors. In the past seven years, Uzbekistan has successfully attracted over $78bn in foreign investments, with the adoption of a comprehensive law on public-private partnerships leading to the launch of more than 1,000 projects. There are also opportunities and tax benefits for foreign investors including Ethiopian entrepreneurs in the country.

There is also a room for partnership in education and culture. Uzbekistan hosts a lot of international festivals, such as “Sharq Taronalari Musical Festival” and “Kokand International Crafts Festivals”. These festivals could allow Ethiopian artists to showcase their works and find potential partners for collaboration.

In conclusion, while diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Uzbekistan have steadily grown since 1996, there remains significant untapped potential for deeper collaboration. By expanding partnerships in tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange, both nations stand to benefit economically and culturally.