The President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has recently announced the removal of visa restrictions for all Africans wishing to visit the Central African nation. This bold move positions Rwanda as the fourth African country to adopt such a policy.
During an address in Kigali, President Kagame declared, “Let there be no mistake about it. Any African can now travel to Rwanda at their convenience without incurring any visa fees. We are becoming a unified tourism destination.” This decision aligns with the long-standing vision of several African leaders who have advocated for free movement of citizens across the continent, with some even proposing the introduction of a unified single African passport.
President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya took a significant step towards this vision in 2017, when he announced that visas would be granted upon arrival for all Africans visiting Kenya. In his inauguration speech, President Kenyatta emphasized the importance of free travel and living in harmony, stating, “The more we are able to freely travel and coexist with one another, the more integrated and appreciative we become of our diverse cultures.”
Rwanda has been actively promoting its tourism sector and has formed partnerships with European football clubs such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich to enhance its appeal as a top tourist destination. President Kagame stressed the need to focus on the continental market, stating, “We must not lose sight of our immense potential within Africa. As our middle class continues to grow rapidly, Africans will play a crucial role in the future of global tourism.”
The African Union (AU) has commended Rwanda and Kenya for their efforts to enhance free trade and travel across the continent. AU Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat urged other African nations to follow suit and implement similar measures. He highlighted the stark disparity between trade among African countries, which currently stands at just 16 percent, compared to the European Union’s trade rate of 70 percent. Mahamat emphasized the importance of African nations fostering closer ties to promote economic growth and development.
Notably, several African countries have already entered into bilateral agreements for visa-free travel, including Ghana and South Africa, as well as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These initiatives further contribute to the vision of a more integrated and connected Africa.
