Ghana's visa-free entry for African passport holders is the latest boost in efforts to unify the continent and promote cross-border trade, cultural exchange and regional cohesion.
Special Report | Bird Agency | Ghana's introduction of visa-free travel for all African passport holders is the latest weapon in Africa's drive to promote seamless cross-border travel and trade integration.
According to Henry Osabtey, a Ghanaian human rights, peace and conflict scholar and Global Goodwill Ambassador for the SDGs by the World Goodwill Ambassadors Foundation, Ghana's move will make the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063 a reality. It is said to reflect a wide range of efforts.
“This policy is not just about visas; it is about breaking down barriers that have long impeded intra-African trade, tourism and unity,” Osabtei explained to Bird in an interview.
“Locally, the tourism industry is about to experience significant growth, with Savannah Lodge, Atlanta Eco Lodge, Volta Serene Hotel, Wili Waterfalls, Tills Beach Resort, Lemon Beach Resort, “Popular destinations such as Aqua Safari and Zaina Lodge are likely to see increased usage from African tourists,” he said.
Research shows that the economic value of such policies can be far-reaching. The 2018 AfDB study, Africa Tourism Monitoring Report, outlined that visa liberalization could accelerate tourism by 5-25%.
In his New Year's address, outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the rollout of visa-free entry for African travelers to Ghana, scheduled to come into effect in January 2025. He described the policy as “the logical next step towards free trade on the African continent.” Regions and structure of the world's largest trading bloc. ”
Previously, Ghana offered visa-free access to nationals of 26 African countries and visa-on-arrival to travelers from 25 other countries. Only visitors from two African countries, Eritrea and Morocco, required a visa before entering Ghana.
The move makes Ghana the fifth country on the continent to offer visa-free travel, following Benin, Seychelles, Gambia and Rwanda, giving the green light for visa-free entry for all Africans.
“This initiative is a bold step towards realizing the African Union's Agenda 2063. The free movement of people promotes understanding, reduces xenophobia and increases cultural and economic exchanges,” Osabtei said. ” to promote peace.
Ghana's visa-free entry for all Africans also underlines Ghana's commitment to pan-African unity and initiatives such as the Billion Single Market AfCFTA. It is noteworthy that in October 2024, the first import was made from Rwanda under the AfCFTA framework.
Rwanda's Ministry of Agriculture said the airmail shipment contained agricultural products such as coffee, tea and honey.
A visa-free policy would not only facilitate trade but also expand national campaigns such as Beyond Return and December for GH to reconnect Africans with their roots. Recently, Ghana granted citizenship to 524 members of the Black diaspora, mostly Black Americans, the largest group since the Year of Return initiative was launched in 2019.
The policy also reflects a broader trend across Africa, with countries increasingly adopting open visa regimes to foster regional integration, trade and tourism.
According to the African Development Bank's 2024 Visa Openness Index, many African countries have implemented bilateral visa changes, many on a reciprocal basis and in what appears to be a coordinated effort.
Between 2016 and 2024, 39 African countries improved their scores. The countries that made the most progress were Benin (31-1), Ethiopia (46-19), Sierra Leone (32-13), Nigeria (25-6) and Gambia (18). According to the AVOI index in 2024, to 1).
Further progress is expected in 2025 due to ongoing policy reforms across Africa. For example, Zambia has announced that it will allow citizens of 53 countries to enter the country without a visa from January 1, 2025. This includes six African countries: Comoros, Madagascar, Morocco, Cape Verde, Liberia, and Sao Tome and Principe. For travelers from countries that still require a visa, Zambia offers an electronic visa system.
Mauritania and Chad also announced the launch of electronic visa systems this week and in December 2024, respectively, according to Visanews.com. The new system replaces the previous requirement that travelers obtain a visa at an embassy, consulate or on arrival, and leverages digital technology to promise additional convenience and safety standards for travelers.
“If sustained, this policy has the potential to transform Ghana into Africa's gateway, a hub of innovation, and a leader in driving the continent's unity and economic growth,” Osabtei highlighted in a LinkedIn article.
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Source: Bird Story Agency