The SADC UniVisa pilot and regional air connectivity study are gaining significant ground in 2026.
At ITB Berlin 2026, SADC reported measurable progress on regional tourism integration under its Tourism Programme 2020–2030, which aims to outpace global tourism growth by 2030.
The SADC UniVisa pilot air connectivity advances confirm that Southern Africa is moving decisively toward seamless multi-destination travel.
Consequently, the region is now better positioned to compete with East Africa and Southeast Asia for international tourism market share.
Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
It includes ICT, legal and revenue-sharing frameworks benchmarked to the KAZA UniVisa and the East African Tourism Visa.
Additionally, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angele Makombo N’tumba said the SADC UniVisa pilot has the potential to enhance destination competitiveness, stimulate multi-country travel, increase visitor length of stay, and unlock greater economic benefits for member states.
Read Also: Namibia Tightens Visa Regulations for Non-Reciprocal Countries
Moreover, customer-service training for immigration staff has been delivered as part of the SADC UniVisa pilot rollout.
Findings
The SADC regional air access study is now complete and ready for ministerial review.
It identifies slow implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, high aviation taxes, limited routes, and infrastructure gaps as key constraints to Southern African air connectivity.
Furthermore, the study recommends fast-tracking SAATM, harmonising charges, and coordinating investment across member states.
The Southern Africa Tourism Alliance will help translate recommendations into on-the-ground improvements.
Therefore, the SADC UniVisa pilot air connectivity study findings directly support the region’s ambition to unlock seamless travel for international visitors.
