• Trans Africa Tourism Campaign calls for accelerated action on continental mobility during high-level meeting in Gaborone

The Pan-Afrikanist Watchman

Gaborone, Botswana – The Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign delegation was warmly received at the Office of the President on Monday, 29 September 2025, during a high-level courtesy meeting with Honourable Minister for State President, Moeti Caesar Mohwasa, and Deputy Permanent Secretary to the President, Ms Matshidiso Bokole.

Led by Ras Mubarak, former Member of Parliament in Ghana and former Head of the National Youth Authority, the delegation included Ghana’s Honorary Consul to Botswana, Mr Solomon Opare Kumi, who has lived in Botswana for 27 years, Dr Owusu-Achaw Johnny Kwasi, Agyapong Eryk Kwesi, Ayuba Salman Faris, and Francis Appiah.

The team is undertaking a 40,000-kilometre road journey across 39 African countries to advocate for a visa-free Africa, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“We are honoured to be here in Gaborone on such a weekend, which should be a holiday,” Mubarak said. “Your reception is a testament to Botswana’s commitment to Pan-African ideals.”

The campaign, endorsed by the Government of Ghana and supported by several African states, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Benin, aims to persuade governments to implement visa-free policies for African nationals.

Mubarak emphasized that such policies would unlock tourism-driven growth, create jobs, and generate revenue for infrastructure development.

Referencing the 1960 Casablanca vision of African unity by leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Toure, Modibo Keita, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and King Mohammed, Mubarak called for accelerated action:

“We humbly appeal that governments make commitments—not by 2063, which is 40 years away—but urgently, to create opportunities for our youth and safeguard the continent’s stability.”

He praised Botswana’s economic diversification efforts and lauded the country’s symbolic strength on the global stage, referencing its recent victory in the men’s 4x400m relay:

“Your story is inspiring. A nation of 2.4 million people standing tall among giants. It shows that with tenacity and purpose, size does not limit impact.”

Mubarak also commended Botswana’s efficient border systems, noting that passport processing at entry took under 45 minutes—far quicker than in many other countries visited.

In his official remarks, Minister Mohwasa welcomed the delegation on behalf of President Duma Boko and the people of Botswana, applauding the campaign’s mission:

“Your journey is a demonstration of what is possible when Africans come together with shared purpose to break down borders and advocate for a visa-free Africa.”

He reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to regional integration, sustainable tourism, and environmental stewardship, citing the Okavango Delta as a symbol of the country’s global ecological significance.

“Botswana supports all lawful, collaborative, and multilateral efforts to deepen ties among African states through tourism diplomacy, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange,” Mohwasa said.

“Your visit is not just ceremonial—it is a catalyst for dialogue and alignment of continental priorities.”

The Minister expressed openness to exploring bilateral and multilateral pathways to enhance visa-free mobility and pledged Botswana’s continued support for policies that remove artificial barriers to movement and trade.

As the delegation prepares to depart for South Africa on 1 October, the campaign continues to gain momentum across the continent, positioning tourism as a driver of unity, economic resilience, and youth empowerment.

© TPA2025