Ras Mubarak joins AfDB–AU high-level panel after Trans Africa cohesion excursion – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefJanuary 29, 20264 Mins read22
Ras Mubarak Joins AfDB–AU High-Level Panel After Trans Africa Cohesion Excursion
Introduction
In a significant development for African continental integration, former Member of Parliament Ras Mubarak has been invited to join a high-level panel discussion on visa liberalization, just days after completing a groundbreaking 31-country tour across Africa. This invitation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the African Union Commission (AUC) marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing push for a visa-free Africa by 2030.
Key Points
- Ras Mubarak has been invited to serve on a high-level panel on visa liberalization by AfDB and AUC
- The panel will take place during the 39th Ordinary Summit of African Union Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa
- The discussion theme is "How can we move faster towards a visa-free Africa?"
- This invitation follows Mubarak's completion of a 31-country, 40,000-kilometer Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign
- The campaign aimed to engage African leaders, policymakers, and citizens on removing travel barriers
Background
Ras Mubarak, former Member of Parliament for Kumbugu and chief of the Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, has been a prominent advocate for African continental integration. His recent campaign, which spanned from August 2025 to January 2026, covered approximately 40,000 kilometers across 31 African countries, engaging with various African leaders and policymakers.
The campaign’s primary objective was to promote the removal of travel barriers to unlock tourism potential, create jobs, and deepen continental integration. During this extensive journey, Mubarak and his team held engagements with several African leaders, including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, King Letsie III of Lesotho, King Mswati III of Eswatini, Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah of Guinea, and Vice President Dr W.O. Mutale Nalumango of Zambia, among others.
Analysis
The invitation extended to Mubarak by the AfDB and AUC represents a growing recognition of grassroots advocacy efforts in shaping continental policy. This development comes at a critical juncture when Africa is seeking to enhance intra-continental trade and mobility, particularly with the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
According to the 10th edition of the Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI), jointly produced by the AfDB and AUC, only 28.2% of Africans’ travel within Africa is visa-free. This statistic underscores the significant barriers that still exist to free movement across the continent, despite ongoing efforts to promote integration.
The timing of Mubarak’s panel invitation is particularly noteworthy, as it follows closely on the heels of his campaign’s completion. This suggests that the insights and advocacy generated through his grassroots efforts have resonated with key continental institutions, potentially influencing their approach to addressing visa liberalization.
Practical Advice
For those interested in following or contributing to the visa liberalization agenda in Africa, consider the following steps:
1. Stay informed about the latest developments in African visa policies by following updates from the AfDB, AUC, and relevant national ministries of foreign affairs.
2. Engage with local and regional tourism boards to understand how visa policies impact travel and economic opportunities in your area.
3. Support organizations and initiatives that advocate for easier intra-African travel, whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness.
4. If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, explore how visa liberalization could benefit your operations and consider joining business associations that lobby for improved travel policies.
5. Participate in public consultations or forums on visa policies in your country, providing input on how to balance security concerns with the need for increased mobility.
FAQ
**Q: What is the main goal of the high-level panel that Ras Mubarak will be joining?**
A: The panel aims to discuss strategies for accelerating progress towards a visa-free Africa, with the ultimate goal of achieving this by 2030. It will bring together policymakers, stakeholders, and experts to explore practical steps for easing travel restrictions across the continent.
**Q: How does the Trans Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign relate to the visa liberalization agenda?**
A: The campaign, led by Mubarak, directly addressed the issue of travel barriers in Africa. By engaging with leaders and citizens across 31 countries, the campaign highlighted the importance of visa-free travel for boosting tourism, trade, and economic resilience. The insights gained from this grassroots effort are likely to inform the discussions at the high-level panel.
**Q: What are the potential economic benefits of a visa-free Africa?**
A: A visa-free Africa could significantly boost intra-African trade, tourism, and investment. It would facilitate easier movement of skilled professionals, promote cultural exchange, and potentially lead to increased economic cooperation and integration across the continent. The AfCFTA Agreement’s operational phase further underscores the importance of visa liberalization in realizing Africa’s economic potential.
**Q: How can ordinary citizens contribute to the push for a visa-free Africa?**
A: Citizens can contribute by staying informed about visa policies, engaging in public discussions on the topic, supporting organizations that advocate for easier travel, and sharing their experiences and perspectives on the impact of current visa restrictions. Additionally, participating in local tourism initiatives and promoting intra-African travel can help demonstrate the demand for easier cross-border movement.
Conclusion
Ras Mubarak’s invitation to join the AfDB–AU high-level panel on visa liberalization marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more integrated Africa. This development not only recognizes the efforts of grassroots advocacy but also signals a growing institutional commitment to addressing the barriers to free movement across the continent.
As Africa continues to pursue ambitious goals like the AfCFTA and the Single African Air Transport Market, initiatives like the visa-free Africa campaign become increasingly crucial. The insights and discussions generated from this high-level panel have the potential to shape policies that could transform intra-African travel and, by extension, the continent’s economic landscape.
The journey towards a visa-free Africa by 2030 is undoubtedly challenging, but with continued advocacy, institutional support, and public engagement, it represents a tangible goal that could unlock significant opportunities for growth, cooperation, and unity across the continent.
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