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
