The Republic of the Congo has announced that it will grant visa-free access to all African nationals beginning January 1, 2027, in a move hailed as a major milestone toward continental integration.
President Denis Sassou-Nguesso made the announcement during the opening session of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, drawing prolonged applause from thousands of delegates gathered at the Kintele Conference Centre.
“As of the first of January 2027, nationals of all African countries will have visa-free access and will no longer need a visa to come to Congo,” President Sassou-Nguesso declared.
The Congolese leader urged African nations to move beyond “selfishness and nationalism” and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to strengthen regional economic integration.
Leaders Call for Collective Investment in Africa
The announcement came during Africa Day commemorations attended by African heads of state, ministers, diplomats, investors, development partners, youth leaders, and private sector representatives.
Observed annually on May 25, Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which later evolved into the African Union.
President Sassou-Nguesso emphasised the need for increased investments in critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, airports, ports, and energy systems, saying no single African country could independently finance the transformation agenda.
He also renewed calls for global action on ecosystem restoration and reforestation, describing Africa’s forests as “a second green lung of humanity” and highlighting the continent’s vital role in tackling climate change.
AfDB President Pushes for Stronger African Institutions
African Development Bank Group President Dr Sidi Ould Tah used the occasion to advocate for deeper regional integration, stronger African institutions, and greater confidence in Africa’s ability to shape its own future.
Describing Africa Day as “a dialogue of peace, solidarity and resilience,” Ould Tah said the continent must transform its abundant natural resources into drivers of prosperity and dignity.
“Too often Africa is described in terms of what it lacks, but if we focus only on what Africa does not have, we fail to see what it already possesses,” he said.
He added that Africa must strengthen its “collective agency” through stronger institutions and a new financing architecture capable of supporting long-term development ambitions.
African Union Praises AfDB’s Development Role
African Union leaders also called for stronger solidarity and reforms to global governance systems to reflect Africa’s growing influence in world affairs.
The 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings are being held under the theme: “Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World.”