Ruto champions visa-free Africa to boost trade and integration
By Faith Lagat, August 21, 2025President William Ruto has renewed calls for the removal of visa restrictions across Africa, saying the move is crucial in unlocking trade opportunities and strengthening continental integration.
Speaking during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, Japan, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Ruto argued that visa requirements continue to create barriers to commerce, travel, and people-to-people connections.
“Another hurdle to our integration in Africa has been the requirement for visas to travel from one country to another, erecting further walls to travel, commerce and opportunities,” he said at a plenary session on the economy.
Visa reforms
The President pointed to Kenya’s recent decision to waive visa requirements for nearly all African citizens, noting that the policy has already improved mobility and trade. He said the decision aligns with the African Union’s framework under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has so far been signed by 47 countries.
“In Kenya, we have led the way by waiving visa requirements for nearly all citizens of African countries, enabling travellers to enter our nation without paying fees or the requirement of visas,” Ruto explained.
He added that beyond visa reforms, investments in road, rail, and air connectivity are helping dismantle traditional barriers that have slowed down economic integration on the continent.
Fair financial systems
The Head of State also used the forum to call for reforms in the global financial architecture, which he said continues to unfairly penalise African economies. He criticised the current international credit system for overlooking Africa’s unique economic realities, adding that reliance on Western-based rating agencies such as Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch drives up borrowing costs.
“I have been a strong proponent of reform of the international financial architecture. The current global credit system often overlooks Africa’s unique realities and unfairly penalises our countries during global distress,” he said.
Ruto threw his weight behind the establishment of an African Credit Rating Agency to provide fairer assessments and unlock access to affordable and predictable financing.
Trade and agriculture priorities
The President further urged African nations to scale up intra-African trade and prioritise value addition, especially in agriculture, which employs 60 per cent of the continent’s population.
“With 65 percent of the world’s remaining arable land, Africa should not only feed itself but also feed the world,” Ruto said.
During talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Ruto pushed for the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers on Kenyan exports such as avocados and tea. He acknowledged a 33 per cent growth in Kenya-Japan trade in 2024 but emphasised the need for more balanced and equitable market access.
By championing visa-free travel, fairer financial systems, and stronger intra-African trade, Ruto said Africa can position itself as a self-reliant economic powerhouse.