Rwanda was the latest African country to be visa-free for all Africans, said its President Paul Kagame at the weekend.
Rwanda has been on a campaign to boost its tourism and business sector – even partnering with famous football clubs Arsenal and Bayern Munich to promote the country as a brand.
Last week Kenya’s President William Ruto announced that his country would end visa requirements for all Africans by 2024 to boost trade with African countries.
Ruto noted the low rate of intra-African trade and urged the reduction of customs tariffs within the African continent to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He said not requiring visas would also help to promote trade.
Rwanda now joins Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin in offering entry to all Africans without visas.
The 2016 announcement of an African Union passport for visa-free African travel does not appear to have materialised.