Tech talents, startup founders, business owners, and students will no longer have to stress over visas when moving between Ghana and Zambia. The two African countries' governments announced this week that they have signed a visa waiver agreement that allows citizens of both countries to travel between the two nations without a visa.
During President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, where bilateral trade, tourism, and diplomatic cooperation were on the agenda, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that both countries had signed a visa waiver agreement.
“For the first time in the history of Ghana–Zambia relations, we are going to have a free visa between our two countries. So, you no longer have to stress about visas,” Ablakwa said, adding that the agreement followed a direct directive from President Mahama.
According to Ablakwa, the president had made the waiver non-negotiable, explaining that, “Foreign Minister, if you don’t make this happen, don’t join me on this visit,” he revealed, explaining how last-minute negotiations eventually led to approval from Zambia’s president late at night.
Apart from the announcement, the waiver is expected to have a practical impact on Africa’s growing tech and business ecosystem. Easier movement means founders can explore new markets faster, professionals can collaborate across borders, and students can pursue opportunities without the usual paperwork delays.
Moreover, the agreement also reflects the ongoing effort across the continent to ease cross-border movement as part of a greater economic alignment. While not the first of its kind, it adds momentum to an existing trend, with several African countries already offering visa-free or simplified entry to fellow Africans. Countries like The Gambia and Kenya, for example, provide visa-free access to all African passport holders.
As more countries move in this direction, visa waivers like this one are starting to feel more like building blocks for a more connected African economy.
David Adubiina
