Dangote Urges CARICOM Nations to Remove Visa Requirements for African Travelers

Africa’s wealthiest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has urged Grenada and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states to eliminate visa requirements for travelers from African nations, arguing that such a move would be in their best interests.

During his visit to Grenada, Dangote emphasized that removing visa restrictions would significantly increase the number of African visitors to the region.

He proposed replacing traditional visa requirements – typically obtained through embassies as part of consular services – with an online system. Under this system, applicants could receive travel authorization either online or upon arrival, provided the required payments are approved in advance.

“If you remove visas and implement visas on arrival, I can assure you that CARICOM economies will see significant growth,” Dangote said. “There will be a massive influx of people coming.”

Dangote made these remarks during the inaugural Independence Fireside Chat with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and later reiterated them at a press conference. He is in Grenada at the prime minister’s invitation for the country’s 51st Independence celebrations.

The Fireside Chat, held at the Radisson Conference Room, was attended by representatives from the business community, students, and government ministers.

Describing the current visa requirements as outdated, Dangote argued that modernizing the system would simplify travel and boost tourism. “Tourism is your main industry. If obtaining a visa is difficult, how do you expect people to visit?” he questioned, citing Dubai and Singapore as examples of countries that have benefited from relaxed visa policies.

“That’s what they did to grow their economies,” he added.

Addressing security concerns, Dangote dismissed the notion that relaxed visa policies would lead to an increase in criminal activity. “People who cause trouble don’t come through airports; they use borders. You are an island, so I don’t think you will have those issues,” he said, specifically referring to Grenada.

Officials from Grenada’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed that Nigeria and several other African nations currently require visas to enter Grenada, which must be obtained from the nearest Grenadian embassy. Once issued, these visas are valid for up to 90 days and allow multiple entries into the country.