AGI Renews Call for Visa-Free Travel to Boost Intra-African Trade
The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Tsonam Akpeloo, has reiterated calls for the adoption of a visa-free travel regime across Africa, describing it as essential to unlocking stronger intra-African trade and investment.
He raised concerns about what he described as burdensome visa processes confronting African business leaders who seek to operate across borders, noting that the requirement to obtain multiple visas continues to discourage cross-border commerce and regional business expansion.
In an interview, Mr. Akpeloo urged African governments to place greater emphasis on the free movement of people, stressing that it remains a core requirement for meaningful regional integration on the continent.
“Movement within Africa has become unnecessarily challenging due to visa restrictions imposed by African states. In some instances, it is easier for a Caribbean national to travel across Africa than for an African citizen,” he stated.
He further described the situation as a major structural constraint to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), arguing that the free flow of goods and services cannot be fully realised without corresponding freedom of movement for people.
Citing a high-profile example, Mr. Akpeloo noted that even Africa’s richest industrialist, Aliko Dangote, reportedly requires more than 35 visas to travel across the continent, a situation he described as untenable.
He therefore called on African leaders to act decisively to abolish visa requirements among African countries, insisting that no African should need a visa to enter another African state if the continent is genuinely committed to deepening trade, advancing industrialisation, and strengthening economic integration.
