Rwanda has once again topped Africa’s visa openness rankings, sharing first place with The Gambia in the 2025 Africa Visa Openness Index, while Kenya placed third. This annual report, a collaboration between the African Development Bank and the African Union Commission, tracks how easily Africans can travel across the continent. Notably, a record 28.2% of intra-African travel routes are now visa-free, marking the highest level since the index began a decade ago. Yet, overall openness slipped slightly from recent years, reflecting uneven progress. Experts argue that reducing visa barriers is crucial for unlocking economic growth by facilitating trade, labor mobility, and opportunity across borders. The push for greater integration continues, championing the freedom of movement as a key driver for Africa’s shared future.
The New York Times
