Author: Louise Pieterse
Last update: July 26th, 2021.
The African Union Commission and the African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have come together to create a simplified system of vaccine records, and a way for passengers to securely display PCR test results.
As European borders open, the pressure is on for Africa to adapt to a unified system for travel to get struggling economies back on track.
African vaccine passport: digital solutions
Africa CDC has rolled out an online portal as well as a mobile application to facilitate cross-border travel and inform the public on regulation changes.
Africa CDC – Trusted Travel
The Africa CDC already launched the “Saving Lives, Economies and Livelihoods” campaign in October to unify travel restrictions and support affected economies.
Kenya became the first African Union Member state to implement the Trusted Travel Platform back in January.
Ethiopia has done the same, outlawing the use of paper test results. Only travelers with the AU Trusted Travel app will be allowed to enter Ethiopia.
Zimbabwe has also started using the app as well as strategic airline partners Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, and Kenya Airways.
A PanaBIOS Consortium spokesman said: “Trusted Travel has already been adopted via the AU’s decision-making processes by the 54 countries in Africa. 49 have provided the necessary inputs to configure their exit and entry rules into the digital platform.”
“However, some pioneering countries like Kenya have gone further to make the system mandatory for all outbound and inbound travel. Several more countries are due to announce similar measures in coming weeks.”
Sasai Africa Travel Pass
The Sasai Africa Travel Pass is an extension of the Sasai app created by Cassava Fintech.
The app will allow users to safely store COVID test results which can be easily verified at borders with a QR code.
The Sasai Africa Travel Pass helps cut waiting times at land and air borders to facilitate their reopening.
Both the Sasai app and the online platform aim to inform users of current restrictions and possible bilateral travel agreements.
The app is also designed to alert authorities of false documentation.
Furthermore, it connects users with testing facilities and laboratories in their area, to ensure fast testing that can be displayed on the app.