Using digital identities to modernise border controls

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 travelAfrican 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 focusIncreased 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 acheckpoint.Why integration mattersEffective 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 sothey 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 travellers face 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 possibleto move passengers through the border in just eight seconds, while also improving passenger data accuracy and compliance. How countries can quickly make progressThese 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 Société Internationale de Télécommunication Aéronautique (SITA), the global air transport industry-ownedIT-tech organisation that works with over 75 governments— including every G20 nation — to modernise airport and border operations.**

Using digital identities to modernise border controls

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Republikein 2025-05-22

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Using digital identities to modernise border controls

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