Tourism: Group Moves To Dismantle Visa Barriers In Africa

A group has launched the Tourism Unity Campaign to dismantle visa barriers in Africa, aiming to boost tourism and free movement across the continent. The group has visited 39 African countries to advocate for a more straightforward mobility protocol, aligning with the African Union's free Movement Protocol.

Leader Ras Mubarak emphasized the need for Nigeria to take the lead in removing colonial-era barriers that hinder unity and economic growth. The campaign aims to make Nigeria a gateway for tourism, creating job opportunities and stemming youth migration.

The group highlighted challenges in securing visas within Africa, such as suspicion and corruption, calling for a unified approach to achieve a prosperous and self-reliant continent. Officials from Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and High Commission in Abuja noted that visa procurement challenges and limited air routes within Africa hinder tourism growth, emphasizing the need for a more competitive and accessible travel policy.