Ghana has begun airlifting hundreds of its citizens from South Africa amid rising fears of xenophobic violence, raising concerns over the impact on businesses and cross-border trade within Africa. The voluntary evacuation follows weeks of growing anti-immigrant sentiment and isolated attacks targeting foreign nationals in several South African cities.
Economic analysts warn that renewed xenophobic unrest could disrupt informal trade, weaken investor confidence, and undermine the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes regional integration and free movement across the continent. Human rights groups also blame worsening economic hardship and online inflammatory rhetoric for the latest tensions. The Ghanaian government said it would continue monitoring the situation and arrange further flights if needed, while calling for stronger regional cooperation on migration and job creation. The development comes days after Africa Day celebrations promoted African unity, highlighting concerns that recurring xenophobia could threaten continental economic integration.
