In the realm of passport power and visa-free travel, the Seychelles continues to hold its ground, maintaining its position as one of the top countries in Africa.
Alongside Mauritius and South Africa, Seychelles stands strong at the forefront of various passport indexes, emphasizing the significance it holds in terms of global mobility.
While the top rankings signify the resilience of these countries, they also shed light on the challenges faced by African travelers. With the exception of a few nations, most African citizens can only visit fewer than 100 countries without a visa.
For instance, Nigerians have access to just 46 countries, while Moroccans fare slightly better with 61. Nigeria, in particular, has witnessed a significant decline over the past decade, dropping 22 spots in the rankings.
Also, read; ECOWAS Takes Steps Towards Implementing ECOVISA for Enhanced Regional Mobility
Sierra Leone and Libya have also experienced substantial drops, losing 20 and 18 places, respectively.
Nevertheless, there is a silver lining. In recent years, an increasing number of African states have started easing visa requirements for travelers from other countries.
Benin, Ghana, and Kenya have all eliminated visa requirements for African travelers, and Rwanda has become a visa-free nation.
This trend reflects a broader movement among African countries to promote regional travel and trade, as highlighted by the African Development Bank in 2016.
While the ultimate goal is to achieve a continent-wide passport, the steps taken by African nations toward loosening restrictions are commendable.
Despite the narrowing scope of international travel, Africa is moving collectively in the right direction, fostering a more interconnected and accessible future for its citizens.
