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.

source : theeastafrican.co.ke

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.

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.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

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%.

Source : travelpulse.com