Africa is making steady progress toward easier cross-border movement as more countries remove visa requirements for fellow Africans. Recent announcements by the Republic of Congo and Togo have added momentum to a growing continental push for greater integration, trade, and tourism.
The Republic of Congo has announced that beginning in 2027, African citizens holding valid passports will be allowed to enter the country without a visa. The move follows a similar decision by Togo, which recently introduced visa-free access for all African passport holders.
The developments have been welcomed by advocates of regional integration, who view the easing of travel restrictions as a key step toward realizing the ambitions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Easier movement of people is expected to support business, tourism, cultural exchange, and investment across the continent.
Over the past decade, several African countries have taken steps to simplify entry procedures. Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, The Gambia, and others have introduced visa-free or visa-on-arrival policies aimed at encouraging intra-African travel. According to continental visa openness assessments, access for African travelers has improved significantly, with more countries embracing digital visa systems and streamlined entry requirements.
However, experts argue that visa liberalization alone is not enough.
Despite progress at border points, the cost of traveling within Africa remains one of the biggest obstacles to mobility. Airfares between African cities are often higher than flights to destinations outside the continent. In many cases, travelers must transit through Europe or the Middle East to reach neighboring African countries due to limited direct connections.
Aviation stakeholders have repeatedly pointed to restrictive air service agreements, multiple taxes and charges, and the slow implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) as factors driving up costs and limiting connectivity.
Industry observers note that true freedom of movement requires more than open borders. Investments in aviation infrastructure, expanded route networks, efficient immigration systems, and affordable transport options are equally important.
Tourism operators also believe that easier and cheaper travel could unlock significant economic opportunities. Increased visitor flows would benefit hotels, tour operators, airlines, and local businesses while strengthening people-to-people connections across the continent.
As African nations continue to embrace visa-free policies, attention is increasingly turning to the skies. For many travelers, the next phase of integration will not be determined by whether they need a visa, but whether they can afford the ticket.
The growing consensus among policymakers is that a truly connected Africa will require both open borders and open skies.
By the time the final day of the KATA AGM & Convention 2026 arrived, delegates had sat through presentations, discussions, data, forecasts and debates about the future of travel. Then came something different.
No PowerPoint slides.
No industry jargon.
Just three veterans of Kenyan travel seated under the symbolic shade of the Mugumo Tree.
In many African communities, the Mugumo Tree is more than a tree. It is a place of wisdom. A gathering point where stories are shared, disputes settled, lessons passed from one generation to another, and where time itself seems to slow down.
The session, aptly titled “Still in the Game: Lessons from 30+ Years in Travel That No Strategy Book Can Teach,” brought together Charles Gikundi, Founder and Chairman of Charleston FCM Travel, Mohamed Bafagih, Founder of Vogue Travel, and Lalit Jobanputra, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Travel in Style.
What followed was less of a panel discussion and more of a masterclass in endurance.
The room changed.
The audience relaxed.
Then listened.
Carefully.
Because these were not theories. They were stories earned through decades of surviving crises, building businesses from scratch, making mistakes, taking risks and refusing to quit.
Charles Gikundi’s journey began in 1970 when he joined East African Airways, the airline that would eventually give birth to Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines and Air Tanzania.
“It was not simple for me, a village boy brought to town to work on tickets and matters travel,” he recalled.
More than five decades later, travel remains the only industry he has ever known.
His journey took him through Air France, where he says he learned about wine, culture and “the finer things in life,” before eventually founding Charleston Travel in 1990 and commencing operations in 1991.
Yet for a man who has witnessed decades of change, nothing compared to COVID-19.
“When airlines started parking aircraft in graveyards and putting red blankets on the engines, it scared me,” he told delegates. “Seeing airplanes going to sleep took away my own sleep.”
For perhaps the first time in his career, he wondered whether travel had reached its end.
“At the office we shut the door. I thought travel had come to an end.”
But it didn’t.
And neither did Charleston – FCM Travel.
One of the most important decisions he ever made, he said, was bringing in partners when growth and financial pressures became too great to carry alone.
“When the partners came, we moved from 20 employees to 50, then 100, then 150.”
His lesson was simple.
“Dedication. Resilience. Believe in what you are doing. Sometimes when you are in a crisis, you must find a way of going up.”
If Gikundi’s story was about persistence, Mohamed Bafagih’s was about starting over.
Twice.
After excelling in geography at school, he began his career as a mathematics teacher before joining Air France, a journey that took him to Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
Then came the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
Air France closed operations in Saudi Arabia.
Suddenly, he was unemployed.
“I had a daughter in school. My wife was pregnant. I didn’t even have money for rent.”
He sold what he had, returned to Mombasa and began rebuilding.
That rebuilding eventually became Vogue Travel.
Today, he looks back at a profession that once relied on little more than two books, a telephone and knowledge of geography.
“We had the ABC timetable for flights and the APT for fares. If you knew geography and had a phone, you were a travel agent.”
His advice on longevity focused less on growth and more on integrity.
“Do your work properly. Take your commission properly. If we chased quick money, we could be lost.”
For Bafagih, sustainability is built through trust, repeat customers and service.
And when it comes to succession, he offered a perspective that resonated strongly across the room.
Many business owners naturally hope their children will inherit what they have built.
But if not?
“My idea was always to give shares to employees.”
The audience responded with appreciative nods.
Because beneath the statement was a powerful truth: institutions survive when ownership extends beyond the founder.
Lalit Jobanputra brought yet another perspective.
His journey to travel was anything but direct.
Born in Kisumu in 1951, he worked as a systems analyst, later joined a multinational textile company, and eventually ventured into a video cassette business before discovering the opportunities hidden within travel management.
Getting an IATA licence took two years.
Ticketing was manual.
Airline commissions were generous.
Then they weren’t.
“Ten, nine, seven, one,” he said, tracing the steady decline in commissions over the years.
Many in the audience remembered the industry’s famous fight against zero commissions, a battle in which KATA played a leading role.
But for Jobanputra, the defining challenge was also COVID-19.
“It was not a single event. It was the combination of the pandemic and the uncertainty that followed.”
Travel stopped.
Refunds mounted.
Confidence disappeared.
Yet his family made a decision.
No employee would lose their job.
For Travel N’ Style, Staff stayed home, remained insured and continued receiving support despite the uncertainty.
“We even used our own resources to make those families happy.”
The experience reinforced a lesson he believes many leaders overlook.
“Relationships are more valuable than transactions.”
Today, Travel in Style has grown beyond where it stood before the pandemic, proof that loyalty often produces returns that cannot be measured on a balance sheet.
On succession, Jobanputra was particularly candid.
“Succession planning is the most overlooked aspect of business.”
Too often, he argued, founders become inseparable from their companies. The relationships, decisions and culture all revolve around one person.
His solution has been deliberate delegation.
“I don’t make decisions today. I leave decision-making to staff and my children.”
The result has been growth not just in revenue, but in leadership capacity.
As the conversation drew to a close, a common thread emerged from all three stories.
None of the men spoke about technology first.
None spoke about market share.
None spoke about disruption.
They spoke about people.
About trust.
About resilience.
About patience.
About surviving long enough to see the next opportunity.
Perhaps that is why the session felt different.
Under the symbolic shade of the Mugumo Tree, delegates were reminded that while technology changes, business models evolve and markets shift, some fundamentals remain timeless.
The travel industry may continue to reinvent itself, but institutions that endure are still built the old-fashioned way: through character, relationships, adaptability and a willingness to keep going when every reason says stop.
And as the curtain fell on the KATA AGM & Convention 2026, it was fitting that some of the most powerful lessons came not from looking ahead, but from listening to those who have spent more than thirty years proving that staying in the game is an achievement in itself.
Togo has joined a growing group of African nations opening their borders to unrestricted continental travel, becoming the sixth African country to grant visa-free entry to all holders of African passports in a major push toward regional integration and freer movement across the continent.
The policy shift places Togo alongside countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles, which have already adopted full or near-full visa-free access for African travelers, while several others continue expanding visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems.
The new directive, announced by Togo’s Ministry of Security and signed by Security Minister Calixte Batossie Madjoulba, takes effect from May 18, 2026.
Under the framework, citizens of African Union member states holding valid national passports will be allowed to enter Togo without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
Authorities described the reform as part of a broader political and economic strategy aimed at strengthening pan-African cooperation, easing intra-African mobility, and positioning Togo as a gateway for trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange within West Africa and the wider continent.
Officials said the measure aligns with Togo’s ambition to deepen its role as a regional logistics and connectivity hub along the Gulf of Guinea, while supporting broader continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to accelerate economic integration across Africa.
Despite the visa waiver, authorities clarified that entry requirements remain in place. Travelers will still be required to complete an online pre-arrival declaration at least 24 hours before departure to obtain a travel clearance document.
Immigration, public health, and security screening procedures will also continue at all land, air, and maritime entry points.
The government further stressed that the reform does not override laws governing illegal entry, overstays, or border security enforcement, noting that immigration controls will remain fully operational.
Analysts say the move could significantly strengthen Togo’s appeal as a commercial and transit hub in West Africa, particularly as African governments increasingly embrace visa liberalization policies to boost trade, tourism, and regional cooperation.
While momentum for freer movement is growing, travel openness across Africa remains uneven.
More than 60% of African destinations now offer either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to African travellers, but full continent-wide mobility remains limited, with many countries still maintaining nationality-based restrictions.
Togo’s decision nonetheless highlights the accelerating continental shift toward greater African mobility, as policymakers seek to balance economic integration goals with migration management and security considerations.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) continues to deliver tangible value to Kenya’s travel trade through its partnership with Rubis Energy Kenya, an agreement that is helping travel agents save KES 4 per litre on fuel purchases across the country.
The partnership, which was entered into in late 2025 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was designed to cushion travel businesses from rising operational costs while improving efficiency within the sector.
At a time when travel agencies continue to navigate increasing fuel and transportation expenses, the collaboration has emerged as one of the practical member-benefit initiatives aimed at supporting sustainability and competitiveness within Kenya’s travel industry.
Through the arrangement, KATA members gain access to personalized Rubis fuel cards that offer discounted fuel rates at Rubis service stations nationwide. The cards are available under both prepaid and postpaid options, enabling agencies to better manage fuel consumption, strengthen accountability, and streamline operational expenditure.
For agencies involved in airport transfers, tours, corporate travel logistics, and regular client mobility, the savings generated through the programme are expected to contribute significantly to lowering operational costs over time.
The partnership reflects KATA’s growing focus on building strategic collaborations that go beyond traditional industry advocacy by directly addressing the operational realities facing travel businesses.
Speaking during the rollout of the initiative, Olivier Sabrié, Group Managing Director of Rubis Energy Kenya, said the collaboration demonstrates Rubis Energy’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s travel ecosystem through practical and impactful business solutions.
“We are pleased to work with KATA in delivering benefits that directly support travel agencies and strengthen the broader tourism value chain,” he said. “This initiative provides tangible operational value while reinforcing our commitment to empowering industry players across the country.”
KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu noted that the agreement aligns with the association’s broader objective of securing value-driven opportunities for members while strengthening the resilience of the travel sector.
“This partnership reflects KATA’s commitment to identifying solutions that create measurable value for our members,” Dr. Kithitu said. “By leveraging Rubis Energy’s nationwide retail network alongside KATA’s leadership within the travel industry, we are enabling agencies to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance long-term sustainability.”
He added that strategic private-sector partnerships remain critical in supporting the growth and competitiveness of Kenya’s travel industry, particularly as businesses increasingly seek innovative ways to manage operational expenses while maintaining service quality.
Beyond the immediate financial savings, the initiative is also expected to improve fuel management processes for agencies through enhanced convenience, transparency, and security in fuel transactions.
KATA members interested in joining the programme are required to submit the relevant registration documentation through the association, after which Rubis Energy facilitates the issuance and distribution of the fuel cards.
The continued implementation of the partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between industry associations and corporate stakeholders in strengthening Kenya’s tourism and travel ecosystem while creating direct economic benefits for businesses operating within the sector.
Kenya Airways has moved to strengthen its footprint in the North American market through a new unilateral codeshare agreement with U.S.-based carrier JetBlue, a partnership expected to significantly expand connectivity between East Africa and multiple American cities.
The agreement allows Kenya Airways to place its flight code on JetBlue-operated domestic services from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), effectively extending the airline’s reach beyond its direct Nairobi–New York route into key destinations across the United States.
Under the partnership, passengers travelling with Kenya Airways will now be able to connect seamlessly from New York to cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Orlando, Phoenix, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Raleigh-Durham, West Palm Beach, San Juan, and other JetBlue-served destinations using a single ticket and coordinated travel itinerary.
The deal builds on Kenya Airways’ existing non-stop Nairobi–New York service, launched in 2018, which remains the only direct air link between East Africa and the United States. Kenya Airways currently operates four weekly flights between Nairobi and New York, providing the backbone for the new onward connectivity arrangement through JFK.
For travel agents, the agreement significantly broadens the range of bookable U.S. destinations under a single Kenya Airways itinerary, reducing the need for travellers to purchase separate domestic tickets after arriving in New York. Industry players say the arrangement simplifies itinerary building, baggage transfers, and passenger protection in the event of delays or missed connections, making the product easier to sell particularly to corporate travellers, students, diaspora communities, and leisure passengers travelling beyond New York.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen commissionable booking opportunities for agents handling long-haul Africa–U.S. traffic, especially as demand for multi-city itineraries and seamless interline travel continues to grow. By integrating onward U.S. connectivity into a single booking flow, agents gain access to a wider destination network without negotiating multiple airline combinations independently.
Industry analysts view the codeshare as part of Kenya Airways’ broader strategy to deepen international partnerships and expand its global network without deploying additional aircraft into the U.S. domestic market. Codeshare agreements allow airlines to market partner-operated flights under their own flight numbers, enabling expanded network reach while lowering operational costs and improving passenger convenience.
Kenya Airways Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer George Kamal described the agreement as a strategic step in the airline’s international growth agenda, noting that the expanded U.S. network would provide passengers with “more choice and seamless access” to destinations across America. JetBlue Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships Dave Jehn said the partnership aligns with the airline’s strategy of strengthening global connectivity through targeted alliances.
The development comes as African carriers increasingly rely on strategic partnerships, codeshare agreements, and interline arrangements to compete more effectively in long-haul international markets dominated by larger global airlines. For Kenya Airways, North America remains a strategically important region for trade, tourism, investment flows, and diaspora travel, with Nairobi continuing to position itself as a regional aviation hub connecting Africa to the wider world.
Africa has been making significant strides in the global tourism market, positioning itself as a rising star in the industry. Despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, which have disrupted travel to certain regions, Africa has emerged as a powerhouse, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. In 2025, Africa saw an impressive 8% increase in tourist arrivals, with over 80 million international visitors, marking its place as one of the fastest-growing regions in global tourism. This surge is largely attributed to the continent’s unique offerings, which span adventure, cultural experiences, safaris, and urban tourism, all of which are being increasingly recognized by international travelers.
A major factor driving Africa’s tourism success is the shift in global travel patterns, especially in light of the uncertainties caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Countries like Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt have benefitted from this shift, as they offer stable alternatives with a diverse range of attractions that cater to different kinds of travelers. African countries are beginning to position themselves not just as adventure destinations, but also as cultural hubs, with vibrant cities, rich histories, and booming urban tourism.
Challenges in Connectivity and Mobility
While the tourism figures are impressive, Africa still faces a few challenges that need addressing to maximize its potential. Connectivity remains one of the continent’s largest hurdles. While major hubs like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Johannesburg are well-connected to international destinations, intra-African travel can still be cumbersome and expensive. With fewer direct flights between regional destinations, travelers often face higher costs and more complicated travel itineraries.
In addition to flight connectivity, visa policies have also been a barrier for many potential tourists. However, the continent is starting to address this issue. Several African countries have begun relaxing their visa requirements, making travel across the continent easier for tourists. As these policies evolve, there is optimism that this will stimulate further growth in the sector, particularly for multi-destination trips, where tourists can experience the breadth of Africa’s offerings in one seamless journey.
The Shift from Safaris to Diverse Offerings
Traditionally, Africa has been synonymous with safaris, attracting travelers seeking thrilling encounters with wildlife. While safaris remain a cornerstone of African tourism, the continent is increasingly diversifying its offerings to cater to a broader audience. Urban tourism, cultural experiences, and beach holidays are becoming more prominent in Africa’s tourism landscape. For example, cities like Cape Town and Marrakech are emerging as popular destinations for urban travelers, offering a mix of history, modernity, and unique local culture.
Cultural and gastronomic tourism are also gaining traction, with tourists seeking to immerse themselves in Africa’s diverse heritage. Morocco, with its ancient medinas, vibrant souks, and rich culinary traditions, is an example of a country that has successfully expanded its appeal beyond traditional safari offerings. Similarly, South Africa’s Cape Winelands have become a prominent destination for food and wine enthusiasts, while Kenya’s burgeoning art scene is attracting more creative travelers.
The Role of Investments and Infrastructure Development
Alongside the expansion of tourism offerings, increased investments in Africa’s tourism infrastructure are also playing a crucial role in the sector’s growth. Across the continent, new hotels, resorts, and leisure facilities are being developed to cater to both international tourists and the growing number of local travelers. Countries like Kenya and Egypt have seen substantial investments in their hospitality sectors, with new high-end hotels and resorts popping up along their coastlines.
Additionally, the African Tourism Investment Forum and similar events have become important platforms for showcasing new opportunities in the sector. These gatherings bring together international investors and African governments, ensuring that the continent remains attractive to those looking to invest in tourism and hospitality.
Looking to the Future: The Role of Young Innovators
Africa’s youth population is one of its most valuable assets. With an average age of 19, Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, a demographic that holds great potential for shaping the future of the tourism sector. In cities like Nairobi, Kigali, and Cape Town, young entrepreneurs are already making waves in the tourism industry by developing innovative experiences for travelers, from boutique hotels to unique cultural tours.
In the coming years, as this generation continues to drive change, there is optimism that the tourism sector will become increasingly dynamic, with tech-savvy solutions and locally-driven experiences at the forefront. The rise of the digital nomad culture, in which young travelers seek out long-term stays in affordable yet exciting destinations, is also contributing to this trend.
Africa’s Tourism Growth Prospects
In conclusion, Africa is on the verge of becoming a global tourism leader. With its growing infrastructure, relaxed visa policies, and diverse range of attractions, the continent is well-positioned to challenge established tourism giants in Europe and Asia. As more airlines expand their services to African nations and investments continue to flow into the tourism sector, the continent’s share of the global tourism market will undoubtedly grow.
While connectivity and visa policies still require improvement, Africa’s future in tourism looks incredibly bright. With countries like Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt at the helm, the African continent is poised to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. As travelers increasingly seek unique experiences, Africa’s blend of adventure, culture, and innovation makes it a compelling choice for future explorers.
At the IATA Focus Africa Conference held in Addis Ababa, Charles Gakuu, the Managing Director of the Air Travel and Related Studies Centre in Nairobi, called on African policymakers to implement critical reforms that could reshape the continent’s aviation landscape. Addressing the conference delegates, Gakuu highlighted two transformative ideas: visa-free movement across African countries and the full liberalization of airspace under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). These measures, according to Gakuu, would be vital to unlocking Africa’s tourism potential and improving regional connectivity.
The expert’s remarks resonated with many in the audience, especially travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, who have long been frustrated by the visa barriers that hinder the ease of travel. Despite the continent’s geographical proximity, shared cultural ties, and common interests, African citizens often face significant challenges when traveling to neighbouring countries. This fragmented approach, according to Gakuu, is hindering the growth of both leisure tourism and business travel within the region, presenting a stark contrast to other regions like Europe, where Schengen Area countries enjoy seamless travel across multiple nations.
Visa-Free Travel: A Key Step Toward Regional Integration
Gakuu passionately argued that requiring visas for travel between neighbouring African countries no longer makes sense in today’s globalized world. He pointed out that as the world increasingly embraces regional integration, Africa must follow suit by removing visa barriers that limit free movement. He cited the European model, where citizens can move freely between Schengen countries without visas, as an example of how such a system could benefit the African continent.
He emphasized that visa-free travel would not only enhance the travel experience for individual passengers but would also significantly benefit Africa’s tourism industry. Many travelers currently face difficulties planning multi-destination holidays within Africa due to the visa requirements of individual countries. Simplifying travel across the continent would make it much easier for tourists to explore multiple African destinations, helping to foster a more robust tourism ecosystem. This, in turn, would help boost revenue from the tourism sector and create jobs in hospitality, transportation, and other travel-related industries.
For African airlines, Gakuu’s call for visa-free movement represents an opportunity to expand their route networks, encouraging cross-border travel that is essential for regional economic growth. He also pointed out the significant benefits of multi-destination itineraries, which would become far more practical and appealing to travelers if visa requirements were lifted.
The Need for Open Skies and Liberalized Airspace
Along with the call for visa-free travel, Gakuu also highlighted the importance of further liberalizing African airspace. The Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), established by the African Union in 2018, aims to improve air connectivity across the continent by removing restrictions on air services. However, Gakuu pointed out that implementation has been inconsistent, and many African nations have yet to fully embrace the benefits of open skies.
Liberalizing airspace would allow African airlines to compete more freely, leading to increased connectivity, more affordable fares, and greater operational efficiency. Open skies would enable airlines to introduce new routes, offer more flight frequencies, and respond more effectively to customer demand. For passengers, this would result in increased travel options, better pricing, and improved access to destinations across the continent.
Gakuu praised Ethiopian Airlines, which has long been a leader in African aviation, for its successful network expansion. Ethiopian Airlines’ ability to connect Addis Ababa to a wide range of global destinations, including São Paulo, Chicago, and Milan, serves as an example of how an African airline can thrive with open skies policies. The airline’s extensive network, coupled with its modern fleet and strategic investments, makes it a critical hub for intercontinental travel, offering seamless connections between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Ethiopia as a Role Model for Regional Cooperation
During his speech, Gakuu also lauded the impressive development of Addis Ababa as an emerging aviation hub. Over the past few decades, Ethiopia has invested heavily in its infrastructure, including modern transport systems, and has positioned itself as a major player in global aviation. Gakuu pointed out the electric rail transport and expanded road networks in Addis Ababa, which have greatly improved connectivity and access to the airport.
Moreover, Gakuu praised Ethiopia for its commitment to developing hospitality infrastructure to support its growing aviation sector. Ethiopian Airlines has diversified into the hotel industry, offering high-quality accommodations for transit passengers. This integrated approach, combining aviation and hospitality, is a strategy that other African carriers might look to replicate.
The success of Ethiopian Airlines and the development of Addis Ababa into an aviation hub serve as inspirational examples for other African countries, demonstrating what can be achieved through strategic investment, regional cooperation, and a focus on sustainable growth in the aviation and tourism sectors.
Kenya’s Visa-Free Access to Ethiopia: A Positive Example
One positive development highlighted by Gakuu is the visa-free access that Kenya enjoys with Ethiopia. This bilateral agreement, which allows citizens of both countries to travel freely without the need for a visa, serves as an example of successful regional cooperation. Gakuu’s experience of being processed through the border within five minutes, with no additional questions, highlights what efficient border management can look like when political will exists to support it. He used this as a model for other African nations to consider, emphasizing that visa-free agreements can facilitate smoother travel and foster greater connections between neighboring countries.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future of African Travel
The future of African tourism and aviation, according to Gakuu, depends on removing artificial barriers that restrict the movement of people across the continent. Visa-free travel and open skies policies are key to unlocking Africa’s full potential as a global tourism and business hub. As countries across Africa embrace these reforms, airlines, travel businesses, and passengers will all benefit from greater connectivity, lower costs, and improved services.
The IATA Focus Africa Conference proved to be an ideal setting for Gakuu’s remarks, with a gathering of industry leaders ready to push for reforms that can reshape African air travel. For those involved in the African travel industry, the message is clear: the future of tourism in Africa will depend on greater openness and regional collaboration. Those airlines and countries that are willing to embrace these changes will likely capture the greatest share of growth in the years ahead.
New international air passenger data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows in numbers how sharply the U.S.-Israel war on Iran has impacted travel globally, showing that while global demand was up 2.1% from March, 2025, demand in the Middle East dropped 58.6%.
“Everybody’s watching what’s happening with jet fuel—both supply and pricing. On the supply side, over the next few months, we could see shortages in parts of the world with high dependence on supplies from the Gulf, especially Asia and Europe,” said IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh. “And the extraordinarily high cost of jet fuel is increasingly being reflected in ticket prices.
“While this has not impacted March traffic or forward bookings to date, it remains to be seen at what point high prices could start to shift passenger behavior,” Walsh continued. “So far, the summer is shaping up to be a normally busy time for travel. That’s positive news, but airline resilience is being tested, and stabilizing the supply and price of fuel is crucial. In the meantime, regulators need to be prepared to grant airlines some flexibility on slots, considering the extraordinary circumstances of airspace capacity restrictions and potential fuel rationing.”
Global Metrics Show Uneven Growth
While revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), which measure total air travel demand, were up 2.1%, total capacity decreased 1.7% due to the war. International travel demand fell 0.6%, with capacity down 6.2% from last March.
Airlines in the Middle East experienced a 60.8% drop in international air travel in March.
Global domestic demand fared well in March, increasing 6.5% year-over-year, with capacity up 5.6%.
Regional Stats
Regionally, growth is uneven. While passenger demand plummeted in the Middle East by nearly 60% due to the war, airlines in Africa saw a 20.6% increase in demand.
The Asia Pacific region saw an 11.5% growth; Europe saw a 7.5% growth; Latin America and the Caribbean experienced an 8.4% growth; and North America experienced a moderate 2.3% growth.
While global international travel demand fell for the first time since March 2021, regionally, most parts of the globe saw international travel demand rise.
Asia-Pacific airlines saw an 11.5% increase in demand from March 2025; European airlines celebrated a 7.7% increase; North American airlines saw a 3.7% increase; Latin American airlines welcomed a 12.1% increase; and African airlines celebrated a 19.2% increase in demand.
Domestic Travel Grows as War Creates Global Instability
In March, domestic travel demand finally outpaced international demand globally, increasing 6.5% year-over-year.
Domestic travel in Australia increased 8.8%; demand in China grew 13.7%; demand in Brazil increased 10.8%; and in the United States, it increased a moderate 1.4%.
The Government of Ghana has officially approved a landmark electronic visa (e-visa) policy, signaling a major overhaul of its migration system. The move, designed to position the West African nation as a premier hub for investment and international travel, will replace traditional in-person application processes with a streamlined digital platform beginning in May 2026.
The “revolutionary” system aims to eliminate the administrative hurdles that have historically slowed entry for business travelers and tourists, allowing applicants to secure travel authorization entirely online without visiting embassies or consulates.
A Gateway for Africa
A central pillar of the new policy is the introduction of a fee-free visa regime for all African travelers. Set to launch on May 25 to coincide with Africa Day, the initiative fulfills a long-standing pledge to promote Pan-African mobility. While African Union passport holders will still undergo a digital vetting process, the previous $150 fee for visas-on-arrival will be waived.
Government officials state that the move is inspired by the vision of deeper continental integration and aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework. Ghana joins a growing list of nations—including Rwanda, Seychelles, and The Gambia—in offering high levels of accessibility to fellow Africans.
Enhanced Security Through Technology
Despite the shift toward openness, authorities emphasized that national security remains a top priority. The e-visa platform is not merely a payment portal but a sophisticated security tool integrated with:
API-PNR Systems: Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems will allow for real-time tracking of travelers.
International Databases: The platform will be linked to global security databases to conduct robust background checks before arrival.
Vetting Protocols: Consular officers will retain the ability to verify information and vet applicants digitally, ensuring that the “open door” policy does not compromise border integrity.
Economic and Tourism Outlook
The digital transition is expected to provide a significant boost to the “Beyond the Return” initiative, Ghana’s long-term strategy to attract the global African diaspora. By shortening processing times and offering preferential conditions to the diaspora, the government hopes to see a surge in high-value tourism and cultural exchange.
Aviation and hospitality sectors are already preparing for increased demand. Industry analysts suggest that the e-visa rollout, combined with “gratis” access for Africans, will likely lead to higher hotel occupancy rates and an increase in direct flights to Kotoka International Airport.
Reciprocity and Global Reach
While the policy offers specific benefits to African nations, the e-visa system will be available to travelers worldwide. Officials have indicated that a principle of reciprocity will apply to visa fees for non-African nations, with costs adjusted based on the treatment of Ghanaian nationals in those respective countries.
With Cabinet approval now secured, the Ghana Immigration Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are in the final stages of technical implementation. As of late May, Ghana is poised to set a new “golden record” for travel accessibility in West Africa, transforming how the world connects with the “Black Star” of the continent.
Global air passenger demand recorded a strong increase in February, reflecting continued recovery and resilience in the aviation sector, even as geopolitical tensions begin to weigh on costs and capacity.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that global passenger demand rose by 6.1% year-on-year in February, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK). Airline capacity also expanded by 5.6%, while the average load factor reached a record 81.4% for the month.
International and Domestic Growth
International travel demand increased by 5.9%, supported by improved connectivity and seasonal travel patterns, while domestic markets grew slightly faster at 6.3% compared to the same period last year.
Growth was particularly strong in regions benefiting from seasonal travel demand, including Asia-Pacific, where traffic rose significantly due to Lunar New Year travel. Latin America also posted robust gains, emerging as one of the fastest-growing regions globally.
Africa Leads Regional Growth
African airlines recorded the strongest global growth rate in February at 11.9% year-on-year, highlighting the continent’s accelerating recovery and rising demand for air connectivity.
This builds on earlier trends showing Africa as one of the fastest-expanding aviation markets, supported by increasing regional travel and improving load factors.
However, despite strong demand, the region continues to face structural challenges, including limited capacity and high operational costs.
Uneven Regional Performance
While most regions posted steady growth, the Middle East lagged behind with minimal expansion, reflecting disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and airspace restrictions.
European and North American carriers reported moderate increases of around 5%, indicating stable but slower growth compared to emerging markets.
Rising Costs and Uncertainty
Despite positive demand trends, the aviation sector faces mounting uncertainty. Rising fuel costs—driven in part by conflict in the Middle East—are beginning to impact airline operations and ticket prices.
Capacity growth projections have already been revised downward, with airlines adjusting schedules and routes, particularly on services linked to affected regions.
In Africa, the situation is particularly acute. Many countries rely heavily on imported jet fuel, and recent supply disruptions have pushed fuel costs significantly higher, placing additional pressure on airlines and potentially leading to higher fares and reduced capacity.
Industry data suggests that demand fundamentals remain strong, with passenger numbers expected to continue growing through 2026. However, ongoing geopolitical risks and cost pressures could moderate growth in the months ahead.
Airlines are expected to balance strong demand with cautious capacity expansion as they navigate an increasingly uncertain operating environment.
