Obasanjo Pushes Visa-Free Travel Across Africa
The former Nigerian president says he was stopped from a lecture abroad for lacking a visa and is backing visa removal among African countries.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Africa
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Olusegun Obasanjo revealed he was barred from travelling to an African country to deliver a lecture because he lacked a visa. He and Ghanaian President John Mahama are encouraging African countries to drop visa requirements for one another.
Why it matters
The African passport is not recognised in many places, and the plan would ease movement between African nations. Starting with about 25 countries that already practise visa-on-arrival, the effort aims to widen across the continent.
The initial group is about 25 countries that already use visa-on-arrival, with the goal of covering the whole continent within a few years. No specific date for full implementation has been set.
The players
Olusegun Obasanjo
Former Nigerian president who has long advocated for African integration and pan-African cooperation.
John Mahama
President of Ghana who has joined Obasanjo in pushing for visa removal among African countries.
The details
Obasanjo made the revelation at an event on the legacy of slavery and easier intra-African movement, and his remarks were shared in a video by Arise TV. He and Mahama say some serving African leaders and Obasanjo already hold the African passport.
Timeline
The article reporting the revelation was published on November 9, 2026.
Visa removal across the continent is planned to expand within a few years.
Travel Outlook
The African Union has pursued free movement of people for years, and this visa-removal push extends that agenda to a concrete, country-by-country rollout. Its success would reshape cross-border travel and tourism planning across the continent.
Travellers to the 25 visa-on-arrival countries should confirm current entry rules before booking, since requirements can change. Once visa removal takes effect, travel planning between participating countries may become simpler.
The takeaway
Visa removal could make African travel simpler, but travellers should confirm current entry requirements before each trip. Watch for official announcements about which countries join the arrangement.
Further reading
For more on the continent's destinations and entry rules, see Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ghanamma.
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