Chad abolishes visas for African nationals

Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno announced on Wednesday that Chad will abolish entry visas for all African nationals effective January 1, 2027, in a move aimed at strengthening African integration.

“The Chad of Toumaï, cradle of humanity, opens its borders and abolishes entry visas for all Africans from January 1, 2027,” Deby said at the opening of the African Water Forum in N’Djamena.

Chad becomes the eighth African country to adopt a visa-free policy for all African citizens. Rwanda, Benin, The Gambia, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya and the Republic of the Congo have previously adopted or announced similar measures.

The announcement aligns with the African Union’s efforts to promote mobility across the continent through initiatives such as Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Deby also called on international partners to accelerate financing for the water sector and reaffirmed Chad’s ambition to invest in hydraulic infrastructure through a National Water Pact valued at $3.8 billion over five years.

The African Water Forum brought together heads of state, African institutions and international partners to discuss financing for water infrastructure and improving access to water across the continent.

SOURCE: AA