By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Togo has abolished entry visa requirements for nationals of all African Union (AU) member states holding a valid passport, the government announced in an official statement statement on Monday, in a measure that takes effect immediately.
The country’s President of Council, Faure Gnassingbé, while speaking on Tuesday at the opening of the third edition of the Biashara Afrika Business Forum, which Lomé is hosting said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening regional integration and facilitating the free movement of people and goods across Africa.
Authorities said it also underscores Togo’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for services, business and cultural exchange, in line with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Officials said the measure aligns with pan-African integration goals and regional commitments on mobility, while also seeking to deepen cooperation between African states and make the country more attractive to investors, entrepreneurs and visitors from across the continent.
Togo joins a growing number of African countries, including Rwanda, Ghana and Benin that have adopted visa-free entry policies for fellow African citizens.
The initiative is expected to support trade and intra-African investment, as visa requirements have long been viewed as a costly administrative obstacle for businesses and traders operating across borders.
The policy in addition to its economic impact is also expected to benefit Togo’s hospitality, transport, catering and services sectors.
Analysts believe it is a demonstration of commitment by authorities in recent years to pursue reforms that will attract foreign direct investment and improve the country’s business environment.
The policy is limited to stays of up to 30 days and does not exempt travelers from existing security, health or immigration requirements.
Visitors must complete a pre-arrival declaration on an official online platform at least 24 hours before arrival in order to obtain a travel authorization document, which must be presented at border crossings.
