The new strategic partnership between Ghana and Zambia has been described as a game-changer as the new visa-free travel will drive continental integration.
Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s foreign minister, said the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement will significantly strengthen political, economic and cultural ties between Ghana and Zambia while advancing concrete, mutually beneficial outcomes.
In a lengthy statement on his personal X handle, Ablakwa said the multi-billion dollar deal was particularly aided by the visa-free component.
“At the heart of the partnership is a pan-African visa-free travel agreement, allowing nationals of Ghana and Zambia to stay in each other’s countries for up to 30 days without visas. Officials say the move is designed to stimulate tourism, deepen people-to-people ties and accelerate cross-border business activities,” he said.
“The agreement aligns with broader African Union goals on free movement and is expected to reduce barriers for entrepreneurs, professionals and investors operating across West and Southern Africa,” Ablakwa noted.
Other key aspects of the agreement include: fintech contracts valued at over $50 million with projections indicating the creation of approximately 8,000 jobs in the short term, natural and resource value addition through promoting environmentally responsible mining practices, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, exchange of knowledge in agriculture and security.
The African business scene has been agog, with experts betting a stronger continental integration with multi-lateral diplomacy
