Harare, Zimbabwe – The Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign, a Pan-African initiative advocating for a visa-free Africa, has arrived in Zimbabwe as part of its 163-day, 40,000-kilometre journey across 39 African countries. The campaign, led by Ghanaian activist and former Member of Parliament Ras Mubarak, seeks to promote African unity through tourism, trade, and free movement of people across the continent.
During its 16th stop in Harare, the delegation held a meeting with officials from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, where they were hosted by Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Tayerera Faranisi. Also in attendance were senior representatives from the Department of Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on strategies to strengthen intra-African travel, boost tourism numbers, and encourage governments to adopt policies that will make African borders more open to fellow Africans.
Speaking at the meeting, Mubarak said Africa’s tourism sector holds immense potential that remains underutilised because the majority of visitors come from Europe and North America, rather than from within the continent. “Now, we have about 55 countries in Africa, and if we encourage more intra-African trade and travel, those numbers can grow far beyond the 1.6 million tourists recorded last year,” he said.
He added that an increase in regional travel would directly contribute to government revenues, enabling countries to invest more in infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools. Mubarak said the campaign’s vision aligns with the dreams of Africa’s founding fathers, who called for the free movement of Africans long before the creation of the European Union.
Recalling the historic 1960 meeting in Casablanca, which brought together African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and Sékou Touré of Guinea, Mubarak said those leaders envisioned a united Africa where citizens could travel freely, share a common currency, and enjoy the same rights across borders. He noted that while the European Union eventually implemented that idea, Africa is still grappling with its realisation.
The Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign team also paid a courtesy visit to Zimbabwe’s National Heroes Acre, where they laid wreaths in honour of the country’s liberation heroes, including the late President Robert Mugabe, Vice President Joshua Nkomo, and Sally Mugabe, who was Ghanaian by birth and contributed greatly to Zimbabwe’s development. Mubarak said the visit was a gesture of solidarity and a reminder of the shared history between African nations.
He further expressed gratitude to the staff of the Ghanaian Embassy in Harare for their continuous support and assistance during the team’s stay in Zimbabwe, praising their commitment to Pan-Africanism and cooperation among African states.
“We are thrilled to be in Zimbabwe, a country that Forbes has ranked as the number one tourism destination in Africa,” Mubarak said. “This recognition reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and hospitality. It strengthens our belief that Africa’s tourism future lies within Africa itself.”
He said the team had hoped to meet with President Emmerson Mnangagwa or his representatives to present a petition urging the adoption of a continent-wide visa-free travel policy. Mubarak explained that such a policy would not only foster tourism and trade but also strengthen cultural ties among African countries.
“A visa-free Africa is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange,” he said. “If our leaders can commit to this vision, our continent will become more connected and accessible, unlocking Africa’s immense potential.”
Zimbabwe marks the 64th day of the campaign’s 163-day journey. From Harare, the team will proceed to Zambia as part of their mission to engage governments, civil society, and citizens on the benefits of a unified, borderless Africa.
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