The African Development Bank Group has welcomed the Republic of Congo’s decision to grant visa-free entry to all African passport holders from next year, describing the move as a significant boost for continental integration and economic growth.
President Denis Sassou announced the policy during the bank’s annual meetings, which are currently underway in Brazzaville.
The Republic of Congo joins a growing number of African countries easing travel restrictions for fellow Africans in support of regional mobility and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. Supporters of free movement argue that reducing visa barriers could help unlock investment, strengthen skills transfer, and deepen economic integration across the continent, despite resistance in some countries.
Meanwhile, the bank’s latest industrialisation index shows Morocco overtaking South Africa (SA) as Africa’s leading industrial economy, although SA remains one of the continent’s major economic powers.
–ChannelAfrica–
