Ghana and Zambia have agreed to introduce visa-free travel for citizens of both countries, marking a rare cross-regional arrangement between West and Southern Africa.
The agreement was reached during a three-day state visit by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to Lusaka, where he held talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. The visit focused on strengthening diplomatic relations, expanding economic cooperation and boosting people-to-people exchanges.
Removing visa requirements was identified as a key priority, with both governments viewing the move as a step towards deeper continental integration. It is the first time Ghana and Zambia have entered into a reciprocal visa-free arrangement.
Ghana’s foreign minister said negotiations faced last-minute hurdles due to differences in passport classifications between the two countries, but the issue was resolved following direct presidential approval late on Tuesday.
The visa waiver is expected to facilitate easier movement and create new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment, education and cultural exchange.
While the exact start date for the policy has yet to be announced, the agreement adds to Ghana’s growing list of bilateral visa-free deals across Africa. Since President Mahama’s return to office in January 2025, Ghana has concluded similar arrangements with 15 African countries.
Ghana is also among a small group of African states that allow visa-free entry to all African passport holders, alongside Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin.
The development comes amid renewed efforts by African governments to ease travel restrictions and promote free movement as part of broader initiatives to support economic integration across the continent, although progress has remained uneven.