He made the announcement on May 25, 2026, during celebrations marking Africa Day.
“I take this opportunity to announce that from January 1, 2027, entry into the Republic of the Congo will no longer require visas for all Africans,” he said.
The move is expected to strengthen regional integration, boost tourism, encourage business travel, and facilitate the free movement of people across the continent. Analysts say such policies could also help accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area by making it easier for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to move freely between African countries.
In recent years, several African nations have adopted more open visa policies as part of broader efforts to promote intra-African trade and cooperation. Supporters of the policy argue that easing travel restrictions can help unlock economic opportunities, deepen cultural ties, and reduce barriers that have historically limited movement within Africa.
In May 2026, Togo also announced the removal of visa requirements for all African citizens entering the country.
The President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, approved the measure for Africans planning to stay in the country for no more than 30 days.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has already maintained a long-standing policy allowing all Africans to enter the country without applying for a visa in advance.
Countries such as Kenya, Ghana, and Benin have also introduced measures aimed at easing travel requirements for African nationals. The African Union has repeatedly encouraged member states to adopt policies that promote the free movement of people as part of the continent’s long-term integration agenda.
