On May 25, 2026, on the occasion of Africa Day, the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, announced the removal of visa requirements for all African nationals, effective January 1, 2027. Congo thus joins Benin, Ghana, Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Togo, making at least six African countries that have adopted or announced a visa-free entry policy for all citizens of the continent. A strong political signal, in a context of accelerating continental integration.
Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo, announced that African nationals will be able to enter Congolese territory without a visa starting January 1, 2027. This statement was made on the occasion of the 63rd Africa Day, on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the African Development Bank. The Head of State also called for accelerating the free movement of people and goods, while advocating for the establishment of a single African passport.
“I take this solemn opportunity to announce today that, starting from January 1, 2027, entry into the Republic of the Congo will no longer require a visa for all African people.”
Denis Sassou N’guesso, President of the Republic – Congo
Intra-African trade still accounts for only 15% of the continent’s trade, far behind Asia with 58% and Europe with 67%. According to the World Bank, the full implementation of the free movement of people and the African Continental Free Trade Area could increase regional income by 7%, or nearly 450 billion dollars, and help 30 million people escape extreme poverty by 2035. In this context, the removal of visas appears to be a decisive lever.
“As far as we are concerned, and in line with strengthening our commitment to the vision of the founding fathers of African independence, the freedom and emancipation of African peoples, the acceleration of the free movement of people and goods across the continent, and the integration of states with, ultimately, the use of a single African passport.”
Denis Sassou N’guesso, President of the Republic – Congo
This initiative aligns with the vision promoted by the African Union through its Agenda 2063, which advocates for an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. The gradual implementation of free movement also supports the African Continental Free Trade Area. Together, these instruments aim to create a single market of more than 1.3 billion people, capable of structurally transforming the continent’s economies.
