Visa woes: Dangote exposes travel hurdles for African investors amid free movement for foreigners
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, recently voiced his frustration over the numerous travel restrictions he faces as an investor within the continent. Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote highlighted the significant obstacles imposed by the need for 35 different visas on his Nigerian passport to travel across Africa. This starkly contrasts with the relatively unrestricted movement enjoyed by his French counterparts.
Visa Inequality: A Barrier to African Investment
Dangote, a prominent figure in the African business landscape, underscored the irony of his situation. At 67, he finds himself hindered by the bureaucratic process of shuffling his passport through various embassies to obtain the necessary visas. “I still complained to President Kagame. I told him that as an investor, I have to now apply for 35 different visas on my passport, and I really don’t have the time to go and be dropping my passports in embassies to get a visa,” he lamented.
The billionaire drew a sharp comparison with French investors, such as Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman of Total Energies, who do not face the same hurdles. “You don’t need 35 visas on your French passport. This means you have a freer movement than myself in Africa,” Dangote pointed out, highlighting the disparity in travel freedom between African investors and their foreign counterparts.
Challenges to Intra-African Trade
Dangote’s concerns extend beyond personal inconvenience. He argues that these visa requirements hinder regional trade and economic integration within Africa. “Our main job is to make sure the regional markets all work. Once they work, then we can now go to the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). But then, for AfCFTA also, we need to make sure that it works,” he explained.
The AfCFTA, a landmark agreement aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services, has the potential to boost intra-African trade and economic growth. However, for it to succeed, barriers like the cumbersome visa processes need to be addressed. “We cannot have a very promising continent and our intra-trade rate is less than 16 percent. Okay, so we Africans will have to do it. If we are waiting for foreigners to come and do it, both the development of Africa, it’s not going to happen,” Dangote stressed.
Self-Reliance and Leadership in African Development
Dangote’s message at the forum was clear: African investors must take the lead in driving the continent’s development. “It can only happen to us Africans. We must risk our sources and make sure that we lead, then we will have people who actually trust and believe in Africa like Patrick to come and help us to push to the next level,” he said.
This call to action resonates with the broader goal of achieving economic self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign aid and investment. By addressing internal barriers such as restrictive visa policies, African nations can create a more conducive environment for local and regional businesses to thrive.
The Need for Policy Reforms
Dangote’s grievances highlight a critical need for policy reforms to facilitate easier movement for African investors and entrepreneurs. Simplifying visa procedures and promoting visa-free travel within the continent could significantly enhance trade and investment flows. Such reforms would not only benefit prominent business figures like Dangote but also small and medium enterprises looking to expand across borders.
The implementation of more investor-friendly policies is crucial for the success of initiatives like the AfCFTA. By removing unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles, African governments can foster a more integrated and dynamic economic landscape.
Conclusion: Paving the Way for a United African Market
Aliko Dangote’s remarks at the Africa CEO Forum serve as a wake-up call for policymakers across the continent. Addressing the visa challenges faced by African investors is essential for unlocking the full potential of intra-African trade and economic cooperation. By creating a more seamless and supportive environment for business travel, Africa can move closer to realizing the vision of a united and prosperous continental market.
The path to economic self-reliance and sustainable growth lies in the hands of African leaders and investors. As Dangote aptly put it, “We must risk our sources and make sure that we lead.” With concerted efforts and strategic reforms, Africa can overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a brighter economic future.
