It goes without saying that strong passports facilitate easier and more frequent travel, and in African countries, this is no different. Additionally, entrepreneurs and business leaders can explore international markets, forge partnerships, and attract foreign investment without the hindrance of extensive visa processes. This ease of travel can lead to increased trade, the establishment of new businesses, and economic diversification.
Beyond being a mere travel document, a passport serves as both a gateway to numerous opportunities for its holders and a symbol of their nation’s status on the global stage.
Strong passports, which are determined by how easy they are to travel with, may significantly impact economic growth, social mobility, and international relations for African nations.
Furthermore, easier travel encourages cultural interaction, which is very instrumental in an age of rapid integration and diversity. Citizens can encounter other cultures, broaden their viewpoints, and get a better knowledge of global issues.
This cross-cultural interaction promotes tolerance, inventiveness, and collaboration, resulting in more peaceful and progressive communities. It also opens people to new life-changing experiences.
Henley & Partners, a corporation focusing on residency and citizenship by investment, has updated its passport index since the first quarter of 2024.
The update shows that passport strength across the globe has fluctuated. When compared to the 10 African countries with the strongest passports in Q1 of 2024 published in January, there have been some notable changes and some persistence.
With that said, here are the strongest passports in Africa currently according to the Henley & Partners passport strength index.
First on the list is Mauritius as opposed to Seychelles during the start of the year. Also, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi are off the list and in their place, Cape Verde Islands, Morocco and Tunisia.
10 African countries with the strongest passports mid-way into 2024
| Rank | Country | Economic Mobility Score (Visa-Free Access to Global GDP) | Global Visa-Free Access (Out of 226 Destinations) | Global rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
Mauritius |
55.58% |
151 |
39th |
|
2. |
Seychelles |
55.22% |
156 |
40th |
|
3. |
South Africa |
17.47% |
108 |
97th |
|
4. |
Botswana |
15.18% |
91 |
105th |
|
5. |
Tunisia |
15.06% |
71 |
107th |
|
6. |
Lesotho |
11.61% |
80 |
110th |
|
7. |
Morocco |
9.96% |
71 |
113th |
|
8. |
Namibia |
8.99% |
80 |
116th |
|
9. |
eSwatini |
7.76% |
76 |
123rd |
|
10. |
Cape Verde Islands |
7.17% |
69 |
126th |
