Politics
The World Economic Forum Works to Spur a Visa-Free Africa
According to the African Development Bank the visa reform has been a godsend for the Rwanda, leading to a 24 percent increase in total tourism from African states, a 50 percent increase in trade with neighboring countries and a 73 percent increase in trade with the DRC. So far, Rwanda is not the only country that has experienced growth thanks to relaxed visa regimes.
According to the study, “…prior to 2013, Mauritius required visitors to apply for visas before arriving, while Seychelles does not require entry visas at all – this has led to a high gap in tourist growth. The number of tourists to Seychelles has grown by 7 percent per annum in the last five years while Mauritius has remained almost stagnant.”
The direct comparison is apt when one looks at the lack of tourism in many African states due to difficult or expensive visa processes. Many sub-Saharan Africa, have the most expensive and difficult visa processes. Using Rwanda’s policy as a model, the African Development Bank recommends five policy changes in the short term to improve mobility and cross-border cooperation.
First, it is necessary to increase the number of countries that are eligible for visa-on-arrival rather than pre-clearance, and second to simplify the whole process for application. Third, the countries must extending the time limitations on visas or increase “long-dating” for 10 years or more. Fourth and fifth are encouraging reciprocity amongst countries and developing more regional visa-free zones such as the Economic Coalition of West African States (“ECOWAS”) and similar.
Additionally, in the long-term, the Bank recommends improving infrastructure connections and working to provide greater migration abilities for service providers of all education levels. Addressing these major issues must be done at the highest level of policymakers.
The prevalence of this topic at the recent World Economic Forum in Abuja is an important start to the conversation. In addition to South-South migration and economic cooperation, the visa process should be lightened for visitors from outside the continent to spur tourism. Increased tourism can be directly attributable to clear and cheap tourist visas. This revenue is much needed throughout the region.
Source: AFK Insider
