After nearly three months of anticipation, the Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign has secured visas to enter Botswana, a milestone that keeps our dream of a united, visa-free Africa alive.
This approval is more than just a bureaucratic victory; it’s a beacon of hope for our mission to promote free movement across the continent. A refusal would have been a setback, but thanks to the tireless efforts of Ernest Moloi, esteemed author and Editor at the Botswana Guardian and Midweek Sun newspapers, and Mr. Opare Kumi, Honorary Consul of Ghana in Botswana, our team is now poised to cross into the land of the Tswana people. Their dedication ensured our journey could continue, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.
Our campaign, a 163-day odyssey through 39 African nations, is driven by a singular vision: a borderless Africa where people and goods move freely, unlocking prosperity for all, especially our youth.
As we bid farewell to Namibia and set our sights on Botswana, we carry with us the warmth of the Namibian people and the breathtaking beauty of their land. Namibia, aptly called the “Land of the Brave,” left an indelible mark on us.
The Namib Desert, the world’s oldest at 50-80 million years, stunned us with its towering sand dunes, some soaring to 1,257 feet. For safari enthusiasts, Namibia is a paradise, and the Himba tribe’s unapologetic embrace of their traditions offered us a profound glimpse into a different worldview.
Namibia also revealed immense economic potential, particularly in its beef industry. With the right investments, Namibia could become a powerhouse, supplying beef across Africa and creating jobs for its people.
This observation underscores a critical truth: every dollar spent importing goods from outside Africa is a job created elsewhere. If we are to stem the export of opportunities and secure a prosperous future, Africans must trade more among ourselves, travel freely, and learn from one another.
As we drive toward Botswana, we reflect on the incredible support that has fueled this Pan-African journey. The government of Ghana, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been a steadfast ally. In Namibia, the Ghana High Commission, led by Acting High Commissioner Mrs. Vivian Gyasi welcomed us with open arms.
We also extend our gratitude to organizations like the Ghana Gas, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Afrimex Gold Company Limited, the Gold Board, National Investment Bank plc, Telecel Ghana, GLICO Insurance, Stanbic Bank Ghana, the Environmental Protection Authority, the National Lottery Authority-Ghana, GIPC, Free Zones Authority, the Pan African Progressive Front, Africa Prosperity Network, Africans Rising, FEMTECH Africa Foundation, and our media partners across the continent. Their support has been the backbone of this campaign.
From Ghana through Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Namibia, our journey has been a testament to the power of unity. As we approach Botswana, we carry the spirit of a connected Africa, one where borders do not divide but unite us in shared prosperity.
#OpenAfrica #OpenOpportunities
By Ras Mubarak, Former Ghanaian MP and Leader of the Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign.