Like Togo, the Republic of Congo has announced it will waive visa requirements for all African nationals starting next year. President Denis Sassou-Nguesso made the announcement on Africa Day, marking a significant step toward continental integration. The declaration drew applause from thousands of delegates attending the African Development Bank Group's 2026 Annual Meetings at the Kintele Conference Centre in Brazzaville.
Following Togo's Lead
This move comes just after Togo last week announced visa-free access for all Africans from next month, in a bid to accelerate intra-African trade and movement. The commemoration brought together African heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, investors, development partners, civil society representatives, youth leaders, and private-sector stakeholders united around Africa's regional integration and transformation agenda.
Africa Day Significance
Observed yearly on May 25, Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in Addis Ababa in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union. This year's celebration aligns with the African Union's 2026 theme: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."
Ghana's New E-Visa Platform
Meanwhile, Ghana is opening its doors wider to Africa at a time when many countries across the world are tightening immigration rules. The West African nation has officially launched a new electronic visa platform while also removing visa fees for African travellers visiting for business and tourism. President John Dramani Mahama unveiled the new e-visa system on Monday as part of a broader strategy to position Ghana as one of Africa's leading hubs for tourism, investment, aviation, and regional trade.
The digital visa platform aims to reduce delays, eliminate lengthy embassy procedures, and make travel into Ghana faster and easier for visitors across the continent.
