In a striking paradox, Africa’s richest individual, Aliko Dangote, would need 35 visas to travel across the continent—a testament to the restrictive borders that continue to hinder African unity and economic growth. Despite Africa’s urgent call for investment and collaboration, the continent’s own citizens face significant challenges in moving freely between countries. The 2023 Africa Visa Openness Report by the African Development Bank highlights this issue, revealing that African travelers need visas for 55% of African countries. While e-visa availability has improved in 28% of these nations, only four—Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles—offer visa-free access to all Africans. This situation underscores the broader issue of mobility and the economic and social ramifications of visa regimes, both within Africa and in relations with other regions, such as Europe, where African applicants face high rejection rates.
