African nations are now intensifying efforts to achieve justice and equality and promote the development of the continent on the strength of unity.

The vice-president of South Africa called for unity and industrial growth of Africa at an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the NEPAD. South Africa, the chair of the Commission of Ministerial Promotion of the AU Agenda 2063, is willing to honestly perform its leading role for accelerating the implementation of the blueprint for long-term development of the continent during the current “Ten years of acceleration (2024-2033)”, he said, expressing conviction that his country will be able to support its automobile industry, switch to renewable energy, capacity to earn interests from mineral resources and digitized economy to expand industrialization to wider areas.

The Togolese government revoked entry visa for all African passport holders. According to this, it will reportedly be possible for any qualified travellers to Africa to stay in the country for 30 days at maximum with no visa.

Congo also announced a plan to revoke visas for all African travellers from January 1 2027.

As the restrictive travelling system has steadily hindered trade, tourism, movement of manpower and expansion of businesses in Africa, many countries including Rwanda, Benin, Seychelles, Gambia and Ghana have taken measures in recent years to allow African passport holders visa-free entry into the countries.

The African Union celebrated its 63rd birthday on May 25. At a celebration event that day, the minister of state for foreign affairs of Ethiopia stressed the need to give priority to the future of Africa, calling for putting fresh spurs to the improvement of medical services, promotion of sexual equality, expansion of agricultural modernization and industrialization and creation of jobs for the increasing youth population. Noting that the international role of Africa has been continuously expanded in the world arena including the growing demand for Africa’s obtaining the status of a G20 member and the permanent membership of the UNSC, the chairman of the AU said that the African population will reach 2.5 billion by 2050 and its economy will grow considerably in the coming decades.

At the 74th regular general meeting of the AUDA-NEPAD, the minister of external relations of Angola expressed the stand to promote the work of the Africa-led innovative financial organization, increase regional investment for accelerating the fulfilment of preferential strategies of the continent and actively support the sustainable efforts and activities for the operation of the AUDF and Team Africa now under way.