A journey of 40 000 kilometres is underway to reshape the future of travel in Africa.
The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign is more than a road trip, it’s a call for open borders across the continent and a vision for seamless African travel.
Launched from Accra, Ghana, and backed by the Ghanaian government, the initiative is spearheaded by former Ghanaian Member of Parliament Ras Mubarak.
His message is clear: visa-free movement across African borders could be a game-changer for tourism, trade and unity.
So far, the campaign’s eight-member team has covered nearly 10 000 kilometres, travelling through nine countries, including Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.
Their journey will eventually span 39 countries over 163 days, concluding in January 2026.
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At its core, the campaign advocates for a continent-wide visa-free policy to allow Africans to travel freely within Africa.
Mubarak emphasised that the initiative is not simply symbolic, but a genuine push for policy reform: “The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign is a call to action for African leaders to prioritise the free movement of people, goods and services. By removing visa barriers, we can unlock Africa’s full tourism potential, create jobs, and boost economic growth.”
The campaign has already gained endorsements from several governments, including Angola, the DRC, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Benin, and Equatorial Guinea.
At each destination, the team meets with officials, tourism stakeholders and communities to build support for greater mobility.
Beyond visas, the initiative also highlights eco-tourism, conservation and responsible cross-border travel, underlining how sustainable tourism can contribute to development while celebrating Africa’s shared natural heritage.
While immigration policy, security and logistics remain challenges, the campaign has reignited debate about tourism’s role in Africa’s future.
By spotlighting visa restrictions, it urges governments to consider how easing travel could open new markets, attract investment and deepen regional integration.
The team reached Cape Town this week and will continue further into Southern Africa.
As Mubarak and his colleagues continue their epic journey, their message resonates: a borderless Africa is key to unlocking tourism growth, economic opportunity and true continental unity.
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