In Africa, visa-free entry remains a key indicator of cross-border integration. In 2024, 48 out of 54 countries offered citizens of at least one other African country the possibility of visa-free travel, with no significant change compared to 2023. With a view to attracting more African foreign direct investment and stimulating economic growth , African countries are slowly but surely following suit towards a total abolition of visas for Africans traveling to other African countries. However, this initiative is confronted with fears linked to employment and security expressed by certain States which are still slow to put this measure in place. Regionally, East and West Africa lead the way in terms of openness to other African citizens.
Although work is progressing across Africa towards a complete abolition of visas for Africans traveling to other African countries, visa restrictions remain particularly pronounced in North and Central Africa. According to the African Union, it is essential to maintain the momentum of visa liberalization to achieve the vision of “the Africa we want” of the AU Agenda 2063. Adopting liberal visa policies will not only facilitate smooth travel, but will also significantly contribute to improving trade in goods and services, cross-border investment and shared prosperity.
We need to strengthen this interest in order to attract more tourists, to our provinces and to other countries and even the entire continent and throughout the world. We are encouraged by the work undertaken in Kwazulu Natale to strengthen existing tourism and infrastructure.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
According to the African Development Bank, Africa has several countries that have removed visas for citizens of all African countries; notably Rwanda, Benin, Gambia, Seychelles, Zambia, Ghana and even South Africa. The African institution indicates that in 28% of all intra-African travel scenarios, African citizens do not need a visa. However, a visa is still required in 46% of travel scenarios on the continent, down from 47% in 2022 and 55% in 2016.
We are working to make the current visa regime in South Africa better than it is now. It is our responsibility to ensure that this dedication ensures economic growth and development.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
At the level of regional economic communities, ECOWAS records the highest rate of reciprocity in terms of visa exemptions according to the AfDB. Experts justify the reluctance of some African countries to implement total visa waiver policies for all Africans by fears related to employment and security. Some countries believe that a complete visa waiver for all African citizens will increase the level of crime.
By facilitating faster access to obtaining a Zambian visa, we will be able to unlock economic opportunities through tourism, the trade of goods and services but also job creation.
Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of the Interior – Zambia
According to Minata Samaté Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission, the growth of trade in goods is closely linked to the liberalization of trade in services, both of which depend on the smooth movement of people across African borders, without excessive bureaucratic obstacles.
