Ghana, Zambia Ink Visa-Free Deal to Ignite Intra-African Tourism

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In a transformative step set to redefine travel and economic ties across Africa, Ghana and Zambia have established a groundbreaking visa-free travel agreement. The pact was signed during Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit to Lusaka, where he held productive talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.

Travel and Tour World reports that the reciprocal visa-free arrangement marks a historic milestone in African diplomacy as the first of its kind between Ghana and Zambia. It lays a strong foundation for deeper collaboration across multiple fronts. By waiving visa requirements, the agreement aims to strengthen diplomatic relations, drive economic partnerships, and encourage vibrant people-to-people connections.

During their high-level discussions, Presidents Mahama and Hichilema focused on expanding economic cooperation, unlocking trade opportunities, and building stronger partnerships in education, culture, and tourism. Both leaders stressed the value of removing travel barriers to enhance mobility across Africa, in line with the continent’s aspirations for greater unity.

Eliminating visa requirements will simplify travel and open new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and innovation. Tourism between the two nations is expected to thrive as travellers bypass lengthy applications, high fees, and delays. Business leaders and entrepreneurs will be able to explore markets and forge collaborations more easily. 

The tourism industry will benefit most, with Zambia’s majestic Victoria Falls and other natural wonders becoming far more accessible to Ghanaian visitors and Ghana’s rich cultural sites drawing more Zambians.

Students from both countries will also gain significantly. Greater freedom to study abroad, pursue scholarships, and participate in joint programmes will foster academic excellence and long-term human capital development. This policy enhances convenience while investing in the next generation of African leaders.

Though no official launch date has been confirmed, the agreement is expected to take effect soon. It will reinforce growing economic networks and deliver wide-ranging benefits to citizens and businesses. For Ghana, the deal builds on its proactive approach to regional diplomacy.

The negotiations faced hurdles, including last-minute issues around passport classifications that required direct intervention from both presidents late on Tuesday. Their decisive action resolved these obstacles, highlighting the strong political will and commitment to making the agreement a reality and solidifying bilateral relations.

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This agreement with Zambia is the latest addition to Ghana’s expanding list of visa-free pacts under President Mahama, who returned to office in January 2025. His administration has concluded similar deals with 15 other African countries. Ghana now joins a select group, including Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin, that offers visa-free entry to all African passport holders.

This network demonstrates Ghana’s rising diplomatic influence and dedication to Africa’s economic integration. By dismantling travel barriers, Ghana is helping shape a more unified continent that values free movement, shared prosperity, and cultural exchange.

The Ghana-Zambia deal forms part of a larger continental push for free movement, supported by the African Union’s Single African Air Transport Market and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Progress varies by region, but agreements like this one signal accelerating momentum.

Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and a key ECOWAS member, already enjoys visa-free movement within West Africa. However, inbound tourism from other regions has historically faced stricter visa processes, which critics say have stifled growth and cost the economy billions in lost revenue. 

In response, Nigeria introduced an e-Visa system in 2025, promising approvals within 24–48 hours to ease tourism and business travel. The government has also engaged in discussions with partners such as Turkey on visa facilitation and is automating processes to reduce bureaucracy and third-party interference. While Nigeria has not yet adopted the bold, continent-wide visa-free policies seen in Ghana and Rwanda, these reforms signal a growing focus on making the country more visitor-friendly amid broader AU efforts for continental integration.

Visa-free agreements like the one between Ghana and Zambia can dramatically boost Africa’s tourism by encouraging intra-continental travel, which remains under-represented despite the continent’s rich diversity of attractions. 

Examples from Rwanda (24% surge in tourism) and other liberalised markets show significant increases in arrivals, spending, job creation, and cultural exchange. Such policies align with AfCFTA goals, reduce travel costs and hassles, stimulate the airline and hospitality sectors, and position Africa as a more competitive global destination.

For Nigeria specifically, embracing similar facilitation could unlock its immense tourism potential, from vibrant Lagos culture and festivals to wildlife reserves, beaches, and heritage sites, potentially adding billions in foreign exchange and creating thousands of jobs. It would help Nigeria compete with more open neighbours, attract more visitors from West, East, and Southern Africa, enhance infrastructure investment, and contribute to sustainable economic diversification beyond oil.

Ready to explore more stories of African innovation, visa breakthroughs, and must-visit destinations? Browse our latest articles on sustainable tourism, cultural exchanges, and continental progress.

FAQs

1. What exactly does the Ghana-Zambia visa-free agreement cover?  

It allows holders of all passport categories (diplomatic, official, and ordinary) from both countries to travel visa-free, promoting tourism, business, education, and cultural exchange.

2. When will the visa-free travel between Ghana and Zambia begin?

Implementation is expected soon after the signing during President Mahama’s visit, though authorities have not yet announced a precise start date.

3. How will this agreement specifically benefit the tourism sector? 

It eliminates costly, time-consuming visa processes, making destinations like Victoria Falls more accessible and likely to drive a surge in mutual tourist visits, hotel bookings, and related services.

4. What steps is Nigeria taking to improve visa access for tourists? 

Nigeria launched an e-Visa system in 2025 to expedite processing and is pursuing automation and bilateral facilitation to reduce barriers and attract more international visitors.

5. How do visa-free pacts like this support broader African tourism goals? 

They advance the African Union’s free movement agenda and AfCFTA by increasing intra-African travel, which boosts revenue, creates jobs, and fosters a more integrated and competitive tourism industry across the continent.