Abuja, Nigeria//-Ras Mubarak, Leader, Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign, says their mission is to dismantle the visa barriers that fragment our continent, stifle tourism, and hinder the free movement of 1.4 billion Africans.
These barriers, remnants of colonial divisions, contradict the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a united, prosperous Africa, he said when he was addressing journalists in Nigeria.
“Here in Abuja, the diplomatic heartbeat of Nigeria and home to ECOWAS, we are looking forward to holding productive discussions with Nigerian officials today, urging bold steps toward visa-free travel for Africans.
We call on Nigeria, a giant of our continent, to lead by example—expanding visa-on-arrival policies, simplifying mobility protocols, and championing the AU’s Free Movement Protocol”.
The Statement below
Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign
Abuja, Nigeria, August 25, 2025. Good afternoon, esteemed members of the press, distinguished guests, and fellow Africans,
Today, as we stand in the heart of Nigeria’s radiant capital, Abuja, the Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign proudly marks a pivotal moment in our 40,000-kilometre, 39-country journey to champion a visa-free and united Africa.
Having travelled 1,162 kilometres from Accra’s Black Star Square through Lomé, Cotonou, and Lagos, we arrived in Abuja on August 22, 2025, welcomed by a city that embodies the promise of African ingenuity, unity, and progress.
Abuja is not just Nigeria’s capital—it is a beacon of what Africa can achieve when we embrace order, sustainability, and pride in our shared heritage. Its clean streets, lush greenery, and serene landmarks like Millennium Park and Jabi Lake reflect a vision of Africa that is green, thriving, and open to all.
As we engaged with this city’s vibrant spirit over the weekend, we were reminded of its nickname, the “Centre of Unity,” a fitting stage for our campaign’s clarion call: #OpenAfrica, #OpenOpportunities.
Our mission is clear: to dismantle the visa barriers that fragment our continent, stifle tourism, and hinder the free movement of 1.4 billion Africans.
These barriers, remnants of colonial divisions, contradict the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a united, prosperous Africa.
Here in Abuja, the diplomatic heartbeat of Nigeria and home to ECOWAS, we are looking forward to holding productive discussions with Nigerian officials today, urging bold steps toward visa-free travel for Africans.
We call on Nigeria, a giant of our continent, to lead by example—expanding visa-on-arrival policies, simplifying mobility protocols, and championing the AU’s Free Movement Protocol.
Abuja’s example inspires us. Its orderly urban planning and affordability show what African cities can become when we choose discipline over chaos and sustainability over neglect.
We challenge Nigeria to extend this model to Lagos, Kano, and beyond—banning plastics choking our rivers, and planting greenery that reflects the green in Nigeria’s flag.
Let Abuja’s shine spark a movement across the continent, where every city becomes a jewel of African pride.
To the Nigerian people, we say: amplify Abuja’s glory. You are renowned for your vibrant energy—use it to tell the world of this city’s beauty, its markets, its culture.
Stop the jollof wars with Ghana (though we maintain our crown!) and instead invite tourists to experience Abuja’s promise.
Let’s make Nigeria a gateway for intra-African tourism, driving economic growth and unity. We are grateful for the warmth of Abuja’s residents, the support of Nigerian officials, and the enthusiasm of our youth, who joined us at the Arts and Crafts Village and Millennium Park.
Your voices fuel our campaign. As we depart Abuja for the next leg of our journey, we carry your energy, urging all Africans to sign our petition for a visa-free continent and join us in building an Africa where we move as one, trade as one, and dream as one.
To the media, we ask you to amplify this message: Abuja shines, and so can Africa. Spread the word of our campaign, hold leaders accountable, and inspire citizens to embrace a borderless future. Together, let’s make #OpenAfrica a reality by 2030, with Nigeria leading the charge.
Thank you, Nigeria, for showing us what Africa can be. Onward we go, united and unstoppable. Ras Mubarak, Leader, Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign.
#OpenAfrica #OpenOpportunities #AbujaShines For media inquiries, contact: Eryk Agyapong on +233 24 799 9990 or +23324435046 Follow us on X @OpenAfrica2030
