The Impact of South Africa's Immigration Policies on Intra-Africa Trade and Development

Abstract

This chapter interrogates the impact that immigration policies have on Africa intra-trade and development. Institutional foundations exist with well-intentional initiatives, such as African Continental Free Trade (AfCFTA), Trade Invest Africa Unit (TIAU), and African Growth and Opportunity Act. However, these initiatives are often undermined by anti-immigration policies, which, instead of promoting intra-continental trade and developmental state, make it impossible for countries and entrepreneurs to freely trade. The chapter argues that ill-conceived immigration policies undermine intra-Africa trade and development, as well as the continental attempts to develop adequate infrastructure, transport, and communication networks for Africa's development and economic prosperity. The chapter is qualitative and uses case studies to deliberate on the effects of immigration policies on Africa intra-trade and state development interventions.