In a historic move, Rwanda has joined the growing list of African nations opening their borders to visa-free entry for fellow African countries.
President Paul Kagame made the groundbreaking announcement during a summit in the capital city of Kigali.
He emphasized the vast potential for Africa to become a unified tourism destination, highlighting that the continent currently welcomes 60% of its visitors from outside its own borders.
President Kagame stated, “Any African can board a plane to Rwanda at their convenience without any entry fees.”
This proclamation came during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council, where he emphasized the importance of tapping into Africa’s burgeoning middle class as a driving force for future global tourism.
On Monday, Kenya’s President William Ruto declared his own commitment to continental unity by proclaiming that, as of December 31, all Africans will be able to enter Kenya without the need for a visa.
President Ruto emphasized the significance of fostering trade and collaboration within the continent, stating, “It is time we realize the importance of trading among ourselves and allowing goods, services, people, and ideas to move freely across the continent.”
This significant move aligns with the African Union’s goal to facilitate greater intra-continental movement.
The African Union introduced the African passport in 2016, aiming to “unleash the potential of the continent” akin to the European Union, yet until recently, it had been restricted to diplomats and AU officials. This initiative, along with the African Continental Free Trade Area, valued at $3.4 trillion, is set to promote economic growth and create a single, unified market for the 1.3 billion people residing in Africa.
These developments signal a promising future for African integration and economic growth.
