Now in its 10th edition, the AVOI holds a magnifying glass to one of the most important aspects of Africa’s integration project - ensuring that its citizens, goods, services and investments are connected, and not impeded, by political borders.
Africa’s integration journey is a story about people. Every day, millions of Africans cross borders to trade, study, attend medical appointments, explore new markets and reunite with families. Their movements strengthen the economic and social fabric that binds this continent together. The Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) captures this human story through evidence. It shows how policy decisions made in capitals translate into real experiences at borders.
The 2025 AVOI edition is a continuation in a tradition of transparency. The data shows that Africa has made meaningful gains. More Africans can now travel visa free across the continent compared to a decade ago. 28.2% of intra-African travel routes no longer require visas, and a small group of countries has fully opened their doors to African visitors, requiring no visa, nor reciprocity. These successes offer encouragement, and indeed a benchmark. Since the first AVOI edition, 39 countries have improved their visa openness score. Many governments have simplified entry, expanding visa-free or visa-on-arrival access for African travellers. Each is now more open to visitors from other African countries compared to a decade ago, a noteworthy achievement that deserves to be recognised, and one that demonstrates what is possible when political will aligns with the vision of an integrated continent.
The findings also reveal areas that require deeper attention. Just over half of all intra-African travel still requires a visa before departure. Several countries are shifting from visas on arrival to e-Visas or electronic travel authorisations. These systems can improve efficiency and support more secure border management, but they are also costly, complex, and make travel more difficult for ordinary Africans. The broader message is that openness remains inconsistent and African citizens continue to face barriers when moving within their continent.
I am encouraged to see the continued leadership of Regional Economic Communities, for it is here that the story of a visa-free Africa continues to move faster. In ECOWAS we see full visa-free status as well as full reciprocity, creating real opportunities for cross-border trade, tourism, industry and investment. East Africa, too, is building progress that is encouraging.
As we reflect on the findings of this 10th Edition of the Africa Visa Openness Index, let us use the data to benchmark how we can accelerate progress. Let us build trust, capacity and systems that allow for the immense talent our continent holds to be the locomotive for our growth.
A more open Africa is within reach. When Africans are able to travel freely across their continent, they build the partnerships, markets and innovations that shape our common future, and bring us closer to the “Africa We Want”. The Bank remains committed to supporting Africa’s efforts for deeper regional integration.
Nnenna Lily Nwabufo
Vice President
Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery
African Development Bank Group