Former Ghanaian MP Ras Mubarak is set to embark on a bold four-month road journey across 39 African countries, championing the call for a visa-free Africa.
The expedition aims to raise awareness and build continental momentum for free movement, regional integration, and a borderless future for African citizens.
According to web.sabc.co.za , the initiative, known as the TransAfrican Tourism and Unity Campaign, will begin in August and aims to pressure African governments to accelerate policies allowing the free movement of people across the continent.
Travelling with six others, Mubarak will drive from Accra through West, Central, East, Southern and parts of North Africa, making stops in each country to deliver formal appeals to government leaders and regional blocs.
“We can’t wait until 2063,” said Mubarak, referring to the African Union’s long-term agenda for continental integration. “Young people across Africa need opportunities now, whether it’s to trade, travel or work. Breaking down visa barriers is key to unlocking that future.”
The journey will begin in Ghana and move through Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Central African Republic before heading south to countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In East Africa, the team plans to visit Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Morocco and Algeria are the only North African countries on the list, with security concerns ruling out travel to countries like Libya, Sudan and Somalia.
Mubarak said the idea for the campaign came from years of hearing from fellow Africans who faced visa difficulties, even when trying to visit countries within the region. “It’s frustrating. We struggle to get visas for Europe and the United States, but even more troubling is the fact that we struggle to move freely in our own backyard,” he said.
The campaign has received support from the Ghanaian government, which is helping to facilitate introductions with other African states. Mubarak and his team plan to present written appeals to heads of state, urging them to fast-track visa-free travel agreements. Presentations are also planned for institutions like Economic Community of West African States, Southern African Development Community and the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
According to Mubarak, opening borders would not only promote unity but also create much-needed economic opportunities across Africa. “When people are able to move freely, to do business, to share ideas, to travel for leisure, our economies grow. This isn’t just about tourism; it’s about transformation.”
The group will camp along the way, documenting their journey through video and photography. Ghana’s national broadcaster, GBC, plans to send a media crew to join the road trip and produce content that showcases Africa’s landscapes, cultures and untapped potential. Mubarak also extended an invitation to other media outlets and individuals who may want to join parts of the journey.
Asked why the campaign is urgent now, Mubarak pointed to the shrinking global economy and the difficulty African countries face in securing international funding. “We keep looking outward for help, when the answers lie within our borders. Africa is rich, not just in resources, but in people. All we need is the political will to make things easier for each other.”
The TransAfrican Tourism and Unity Campaign will focus on promoting regional cooperation, highlighting success stories from free movement agreements, and encouraging broader discussions about what a unified Africa could look like in practice.
“This journey is about hope, unity, and a belief that Africans deserve better,” Mubarak said. “We can’t afford to wait. The future is ours to build, together.”
