Ghana and Zambia Unveil Historic Visa-Free Travel Pact to Boost Continental Connectivity
In a landmark development set to reshape regional mobility and economic collaboration, Ghana and Zambia have agreed on a visa-free travel arrangement that allows citizens from both countries to cross borders without the need for visas. This unprecedented move, announced during Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s official three-day State Visit to Zambia, marks a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Africa’s broader integration agenda.
The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in Lusaka by President Mahama and his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema. For the first time in the history of Ghana-Zambia relations, this visa waiver will enable seamless movement for tourists, businesspeople, students, professionals, and cultural practitioners, eliminating long-standing bureaucratic barriers that previously hindered travel and exchange between the two nations.
The implications of this policy are far-reaching. Both governments anticipate that the visa-free regime will stimulate tourism growth, enhance trade and investment opportunities, promote cultural exchange, and deepen people-to-people connections. Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, emphasizing its alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a connected, prosperous, and integrated continent. The Ministry also highlighted Zambia’s strategic positioning as a preferred destination for tourism and investment within Africa, a status that this new arrangement is expected to reinforce.
President Mahama’s arrival in Lusaka on 4 February was met with a warm reception at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by President Hichilema, underscoring the cordial diplomatic ties between the two countries. The visit’s agenda focused on deepening diplomatic engagement, expanding economic cooperation, and fostering stronger interpersonal relations.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the visa waiver as one of the most significant outcomes of the visit. Speaking to the press, he emphasized that the policy would greatly ease mobility for citizens of both countries and unlock new avenues in trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. He noted that this agreement removes the bureaucratic hurdles that had long complicated travel for students, businesspeople, tourists, and professionals alike.
This bilateral visa-free arrangement builds on Ghana’s broader strategy to expand global mobility for its citizens. Since 2025, Ghana has ratified similar agreements with a diverse range of countries including Morocco, Mozambique, Colombia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Dominica, Serbia, Algeria, Angola, and Antigua and Barbuda. These efforts have increased the number of visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations accessible to Ghanaian passport holders to over 60, spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia. This expansion is designed to boost tourism, trade, and diplomatic engagement, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to fostering international connectivity.
For Zambia, the visa waiver is a clear demonstration of its commitment to open borders and inclusive development. The Ministry of Tourism underscored that this initiative is a practical step towards realizing the African Union’s vision of a continent with free movement of people, goods, and services. It also positions Zambia as a gateway for regional tourism and investment, encouraging more robust economic ties within Africa.
Both governments view this agreement as a model for enhancing African cooperation and integration. By facilitating easier cross-border travel, Ghana and Zambia are setting a precedent that could inspire similar arrangements across the continent, accelerating the realization of a truly interconnected Africa.
For the African tourism and business sectors, this development signals exciting new opportunities. The removal of visa barriers will likely increase tourist arrivals, encourage business travel, and foster cultural exchanges that enrich both societies. It also opens doors for educational and professional collaborations, which are vital for sustainable development and economic diversification.
As Africa continues to pursue greater unity and economic integration, initiatives like the Ghana-Zambia visa-free travel agreement highlight the tangible progress being made. For stakeholders in the continent’s travel and tourism industry, this is a call to prepare for a future where mobility is less restricted, markets are more accessible, and partnerships across borders become the norm rather than the exception.
