Key Points
- Togo becomes the six African Nation to open border to all Africans
- The government said the move aims to make Togo a regional hub for services, business, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
- Togo reversed its visa policy within 48 hours after Nigeria's trade minister publicly challenged African leaders over two denied ECOWAS investors
Lome, Togo – In a landmark move to accelerate Africa’s long-awaited economic unification, the Republic of Togo has announced that all African nationals holding valid passports will now be granted visa-free entry into the country.
The decision, unveiled by the Minister of Security on 18 May 2026 on the sidelines of the Biashara Afrika 2026 forum in Lome, has been warmly welcomed by both the AfCFTA Secretariat and the African Export-Import Bank (Afremimbank).
According to the official statement released by Togo’s Minister of Security, Colonel Calixte Batossie Madjoulba, the measure reflects the government’s commitment to promoting African integration and easing the movement of people across the continent.
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“This measure reflects the continued commitment of the highest Togolese authorities to promoting African integration, strengthening the free movement of people and goods, and fostering enhanced cooperation among the states and people of the continenet,” the ministry’s statement read.
The announcement came as leaders, business figures, and investors gathered for the continent’s premier trade and business platform, where discussions have centred on breaking down the barriers that still hamper intra-African commerce.
Throughout the meetings, participants repeatedly stressed that the free movement of people – not just goods and capital – is a fundamental enabler of deeper trade ties and regional cooperation.
Togo’s new measure, taken under the leadership of President Faure Essozimfa Gnassingbe, is seen as a direct response to that call.
The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank, both of which count Togo as a member state, described the move as reflective of a growing continental momentum towards stronger connectivity and integration.
In a joint statement, the two institutions said they envision an Africa where goods, services, capital, and people can cross borders with far greater ease, supporting the creation of a genuinely unified market.
Measures such as Togo’s visa waiver, they noted, help advance the broader mandate of both organisations and contribute directly to the aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Togo’s gesture has been framed not as an isolated policy change but as a part of its wider commitment to hosting and nurturing pan-African initiatives, including the ongoing Biashara Afrika 2026 forum.
The AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank have commended the government and people of Togo for their hospitality and for what they called a continued, steady dedication to advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.
For many delegates in Lome this week, the announcement signals a practical step towards making the African Continental Free Trade Area work not just on paper but on the ground.
With this move, Togo becomes the sixth African country to grant visa-free entry to all Africans. Rwanda, Ghana, Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles have already adopted full or near-full visa-free access for African travellers, while several others continue expanding visa-on-arrival and e-visa systems.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Visa-free entry for all African nationals with valid passports for stays of up to 30 days, effective from 18 May 2026.
Yes, travellers must complete an online declaration at voyage.gouv.tg at least 24 hours before travel
President Gnassingbe acted after a public challenge at Biashara Afrika 2026, following reports that two ECOWAS investors had been denied entry.
No, Rwanda, Benin, Ghana, the Gambia and Seychelles have similar policies, but only 28.2% of intra-African travel was visa-free by end of 2025
