On Thursday, Rwanda unveiled its plan to grant visa-free access to Africans, joining a growing number of African nations embracing this move to facilitate free movement and trade, similar to Europe’s Schengen zone.
President Paul Kagame, speaking in Kigali, emphasized the potential of Africa as a unified tourism destination, acknowledging that the continent still relies on 60% of its tourists from outside Africa, according to data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
During the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Kagame declared, “Any African can now travel to Rwanda without incurring any entry fees.” He stressed the importance of recognizing the continental market, highlighting the growing African middle class as a significant force in the future of global tourism.
Upon implementation, Rwanda will join the ranks of four African countries that have eliminated travel restrictions for fellow Africans. These countries include Gambia, Benin, Seychelles, and Kenya, where President William Ruto recently announced plans to enable visa-free travel for all Africans by December 31.