Ghana and Zambia have formalised a visa waiver agreement that will allow citizens of both countries to travel freely between the two nations without requiring visas, marking a significant step toward deeper regional cooperation in Africa.
The agreement was unveiled during President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations.
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Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the deal as one of the most notable outcomes of the visit, noting that it eliminates long-standing administrative barriers faced by students, professionals, businesspeople, and tourists.
According to Ablakwa, the waiver reflects a direct policy directive from President Mahama aimed at simplifying travel and promoting closer people-to-people connections. “Travellers will no longer need to worry about visa requirements,” he said.
President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia welcomed his Ghanaian counterpart in Lusaka and praised the agreement as a catalyst for improved mobility and stronger regional ties. Officials from both countries said the visa-free arrangement is expected to boost trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The pact aligns with broader African Union initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, which seeks to encourage freer movement of people and goods to drive intra-African trade and economic growth. Supporters argue that easing travel restrictions reduces costs, encourages business expansion, and strengthens cultural and professional networks across borders.
Ghana has increasingly pursued visa liberalisation in recent years, signing multiple agreements and outlining plans to introduce an e-visa system to simplify travel for Africans in the diaspora and international visitors.
As implementation begins, analysts say the Ghana-Zambia agreement could serve as a template for other African nations looking to enhance mobility, unlock economic opportunities, and build a more interconnected continent.
