Ethiopia Urged to Lead by Example with Visa-Free Access for African Travelers
As Addis Ababa prepares to host the 38th African Union (AU) Assembly on February 15-16, 2025, Ethiopia faces a pivotal moment to align its policies with the AU’s vision of a “borderless Africa.” The summit will bring together African leaders to discuss governance, development, and unity, with a key focus on dismantling barriers to intra-African mobility. Ethiopia, as the host nation, has a unique opportunity to announce a transformative policy: granting visa-free access to all African citizens. Such a move would not only reflect the aspirations of Agenda 2063 but also unlock significant economic and diplomatic benefits for the country.
The Push for a Borderless Africa
Momentum for visa-free travel across Africa has been growing. Countries like Ghana, Rwanda, Seychelles, Benin, and The Gambia have already implemented visa-free entry for all African nations, while Kenya recently eased travel requirements for most African countries, allowing visa-free stays of up to two months. Despite these advancements, restrictive visa policies remain widespread, with the 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index revealing that 47% of intra-African travel routes still require a visa before departure. Ironically, Ethiopia, home to the AU headquarters, imposes stricter visa requirements on African travelers than on visitors from Western nations, a practice that contradicts its role as Africa’s diplomatic capital.
Economic and Diplomatic Gains of a Visa-Free Ethiopia
Granting visa-free access could significantly boost Ethiopia’s tourism sector, a vital pillar of its economy. Countries like Rwanda have seen a 24% increase in African visitor arrivals within a year of introducing visa-on-arrival policies, with tourism revenue now contributing nearly 11% of its GDP. Ethiopia, with its UNESCO-listed sites such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the ancient obelisks of Aksum, could experience similar growth. Increased African tourism would benefit hotels, airlines, and local businesses, maximizing the government’s investments in infrastructure like the expanded Bole International Airport.
A visa-free policy would also enhance Ethiopia’s role as a hub for intra-African trade and investment. By easing entry for African entrepreneurs and investors, Ethiopia could attract more business activity, complementing its economic reforms under the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda. Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, would see increased demand for intra-African flights, further solidifying Addis Ababa’s position as a premier aviation hub.
Fostering Pan-African Unity
As a symbol of Pan-Africanism, Ethiopia has a moral obligation to lead by example. A visa-free policy would reinforce its leadership in promoting African unity and cultural exchange. Hosting continental festivals, sports events, and academic programs would strengthen people-to-people ties and enhance Ethiopia’s influence. Moreover, it would align Addis Ababa’s status as Africa’s diplomatic capital with the AU’s goals, ensuring that all Africans can freely access their continent’s political and cultural heart.
By adopting a visa-free policy, Ethiopia can turn its symbolic gestures of Pan-Africanism into actionable leadership, driving economic growth, fostering unity, and fulfilling its role as a champion of a borderless Africa.
