Visa-Free Africa: Campaigners Push for Borderless Continent in Abuja …say open borders will unlock jobs, tourism, and prosperity

By Queen Kunde

The Trans-African Tourism and Unity Campaign has renewed calls for the removal of visa restrictions across the continent, arguing that a borderless Africa would unlock economic growth, expand tourism, and accelerate the African Union’s vision of integration.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, campaign leader Ras Mubarak described Nigeria’s capital as a “beacon of unity and progress” and a fitting stop on their 40,000-kilometre journey across 39 African countries to advocate visa-free travel.

“Our mission is clear: dismantle visa barriers that fragment our continent and hinder the free movement of 1.4 billion Africans,” Mubarak declared. “These restrictions are relics of colonial divisions and stand in direct contradiction to the AU’s Agenda 2063.”

The eight-member delegation, which arrived in Abuja on August 22 after passing through Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic, revealed they had already spent \$11,800 on visas alone. “That money could have gone into fuel, food, or souvenirs. Instead, it was wasted on bureaucracy,” Mubarak lamented.

The campaigners stressed that Africa is losing out on the \$9 trillion global tourism market, currently generating just \$1.9 billion annually. They argued that removing visa barriers, beautifying cities, and improving security could quadruple tourism revenue.

Citing Kenya and Benin Republic, which have already eliminated visa requirements for African nationals, and Ghana’s recent announcement of a similar policy, the group urged Nigeria and other regional powers to lead the charge in adopting visa-on-arrival systems and championing the AU’s Free Movement Protocol by 2030—decades ahead of the AU’s 2063 timeline.

The team also decried suspicion among African states and extortion by border officials as major obstacles. “We must see fellow Africans as partners, not threats,” Mubarak said, appealing for broader governmental and public support.

From Nigeria, the delegation will continue through Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, DR Congo, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa before concluding in Ghana in January 2026.

“Our choice is simple: unity or division, insecurity or prosperity,” Mubarak declared. “Africa can thrive with open borders not by 2063, but by 2030 with Nigeria leading the way.”