Zambia and Ghana have engaged in bilateral discussions aimed at promoting visa waivers and simplifying travel procedures to facilitate greater movement of tourists and investors between the two nations. The talks took place on Thursday on the sidelines of the second UN Tourism Summit, held at the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort in Livingstone.
According to a statement issued by Ministry of Tourism Principal Public Relations Officer Nelly Banda, the meeting was led by Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, and his Ghanaian counterpart, Abla Dzifa Gomashie. The discussions provided a platform to strengthen cooperation in tourism promotion, cultural exchange, and sectoral development.
Banda noted that the talks were anchored on mutual interests, with a primary focus on increasing tourism flows and fostering partnerships between public and private sector players in both countries. By streamlining travel procedures, Zambia and Ghana aim to encourage more visitors, create business opportunities, and enhance economic collaboration.
The proposed visa waivers would not only make travel more convenient for tourists but also boost trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Both countries share a rich historical and cultural heritage, and enhanced connectivity between them could further strengthen ties between their people.
Minister Sikumba emphasized the importance of easing travel restrictions as a way to maximize the potential of Zambia and Ghana’s tourism sectors. “We must make it easier for our people to travel, invest, and experience each other’s rich cultural offerings. A visa waiver is a step in the right direction,” he said.
On her part, Minister Gomashie reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working with Zambia to ensure smoother travel processes. “Simplifying visa requirements will help unlock the full potential of tourism and business relations between our two nations,” she said.
As both governments continue negotiations, tourism stakeholders are hopeful that these efforts will lead to formal agreements that benefit travelers, businesses, and the overall economic landscape of both Zambia and Ghana.