In summary
Seychelles is at the top of the list of Africa's strongest passports compared to other African countries. This will allow visa- or visa-free access to 149 countries. South Africa is the only country in the top three with less passport strength compared to past rankings. This illustrates the country's stricter global visa policy and regional geopolitical impacts. There have been consistent improvements in global mobility in African passports. But nonetheless, it is still very unequal, with an astonishing gap between the first and tenth dives of 69 countries!!
The ability to move across borders is now extremely important. We often compare military power, natural resources, or political influence with power, but data and influence in global mobility have now become unparalleled as it can now be a gateway to opportunity. For millions of Africans, a strong passport means better access to healthcare, employment opportunities, investment and education, but most importantly, it means that it equally increases access to explore the world and reduces visa queue time.
Passport Index has released an updated ranking showing how African Passports work globally based on their mobility score. The mobility score reflects the number of countries that holders can visit without a visa arriving or visa. Updated data shows stable growth, ranking and improvement of top leaders among African countries.
10. Tunisia
Tunisia's mobility score is 80. Although it ranks 10th on this list, Tunisia's 80 mobility score remains modest globally. Tunisia ranks higher than Namibia and Malawi despite having the same mobility score. This is due to widespread visa-free access to parts of Asia, especially in the Middle East. Tunisia is either accessible without a visa or grants visas upon arrival in around 11 Asian countries. For most Tunisian citizens, travelling to African countries and parts of Asia remains easy, but the country's relationship with the European Union is limited in terms of free movement.
9. Malawi
Malawi ranks highly with a mobility score of 80. There are stable economic regulations, which contribute to the strength of your passport. Malawi, whose historical relations have been built between diplomatic relations within the Union and non-aligned movements, has nine passports in Asia.
Malawi's mobility score is to participate in global foreign policy and foreign policy consistency, not economic status.
8. Namibia
In South Africa, Namibia stands out with a mobility score of 80. It can maintain diplomatic visibility and has visa-free access to around 10 Asian countries. Stable governance and effective bilateral agreements keep Namibia at the top. In addition to the low profile status, significant improvements have been made in several aspects to enhance the mobility score globally.
7. Eswatini
Despite the size of Eswatini, it still has a mobility score of 81. The country maintains good relations with over 10 Asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea, enjoying visa-free arrival and arrival visa access. Eswatini reflects how well a small country can do when engaged diplomatically and stable.
6. Lesotho
Another South African country that stands out again is Lesotho. Its mobility score is 82, and Lesotho has access to over 10 Asian countries, providing citizens with powerful passports that function across the African continent. Lesotho maintains strong bilateral relations, particularly within the East Asian trade world and federation. This connection helped to maintain strong global access for citizens.
5. Morocco
Morocco is a powerful tourist destination, which also supports the strength of your passport. Mobility score is 86 and has visa-free or visa arrival access to over 13 Asian countries. In parts of Arabia and Europe, Morocco has always maintained strategic diplomacy.
The continued economic partnerships in the Middle East and Asia, which hold North Africa's position, have also helped expand its mobility options. However, the stiff visa restrictions from the EU still stifles growth.
4. Botswana
The impact of the Botswana Global Passport can be seen as a success story in South Africa. The country has a mobility score of 86, and its good governance and diplomatic neutrality makes it accessible to over 12 Asian countries.
Botswana has a stable institution and a clean international profile that makes passports one of Africa's most respected. Citizens' passports provide smooth access to Europe's Asia, America, and several regions.
3. South Africa
South Africa's 111 mobility score is far ahead of all other sub-Saharan African countries, making it a clear regional leader in mobility. Years of diplomacy and investment throughout the G20 Forum and the BRICS Alliance have allowed citizens to enjoy visa-free or arrival visa access to nearly 17 Asian countries. Surprisingly, South Africa's high mobility scores have declined compared to previous year's mobility scores, which could be attributed to concerns about mobility control and tightening policies in some EU states. Passports are still travel-friendly for citizens of the area.
2. Mauritius
Mauritius' mobility score is 141. The island nation has access to over 20 Asian countries, including China, Malaysia and Indonesia. Mauritius' deep international ties, particularly the stable financial system in the Asia-Pacific region, and peaceful politics, have respect for passports worldwide. For Mauritius citizens, travel can be viewed as a global invitation rather than a burden.
1. Seychelles
The top of the African list and the top 21 global are the Seychelles with a mobility score of 149. The country is accessible to more than 26 Asian countries. Seychelles' passport strength can be attributed to non-alignment during major conflict, a reputation of neutrality, and active international diplomacy. The citizens of Seychellois enjoy the global privilege of seamless visa-free or access on arrival.
