Rwandan President Paul Kagame has introduced visa-free travel for Nigerians and all Africans.
Rwanda is now one of the African countries after Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin, that provides visa-free entry for all African citizens.
“Let there be no mistake about it. Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and will not pay a thing to enter our country,” President Kagame was quoted on BBC News Africa X handle on Thursday.
He added that the move was aimed at taking advantage of Africa’s growing tourism market, driven by the continent’s growing middle class.
Rwanda has been on a campaign to boost its tourism sector, partnering with football clubs like Arsenal and Bayern Munich to promote the country as a tourist destination.
Also, several African countries have entered into bilateral agreements for visa-free travel, most recently Ghana and South Africa, and Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This week, Kenyan President William Ruto said his country will end visa requirements for all African visitors by the end of the year.
President Ruto said this at an international conference in Congo Brazzaville, a report by the BBC said.
“When people cannot travel, businesspeople cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers,” Ruto said.
“Let me say this: As Kenya, by the end of this year, no African will be required to have a visa to come to Kenya,” he said to loud cheers from the conference delegates.
“Our children from this continent should not be locked in borders in Europe and also be locked in borders in Africa.”
THEGUARDIAN
