Rwandan President Paul Kagame has announced the abolition of entry visas for all African nationals, a move aimed at tapping into the growing African tourist market. “Any African can fly to Rwanda whenever they want and will not have to pay to enter our country,” stated President Kagame. This initiative is part of Rwanda’s efforts to leverage the expanding middle-class tourism sector within Africa.
According to Africa News Agency, Following Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, Rwanda becomes the fourth African nation to implement such a visa exemption policy. This decision precedes Kenya’s similar aspirations, as expressed by President William Ruto. Rwanda has actively been promoting its tourism sector, including partnerships with football clubs like Arsenal and Bayern Munich, to position itself as a prime tourist destination.
Other African nations, including Ghana and South Africa, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have established bilateral visa waiver agreements to facilitate easier travel within the continent.