Dr. Prince Mbachi, President of Africa Global Development for Positive Change Initiative (ADIafrica), has called on the African Union (AU) to abolish visa requirements across African countries to promote integration and development.
Mbachi made the call during a scholarship presentation to 13 indigent university students from Egbeke Community in Etche LGA of Rivers State on Tuesday. Nine others received skill acquisition grants, while over 150 people benefited from free eye check-ups, with glasses provided to those in need.
He expressed concern over the stringent visa processing requirements for intra-African travel, noting that easing movement across the continent would enhance trade, cooperation, and unity among African nations. Mbachi urged the AU to fully implement its visa-on-arrival policy to facilitate travel across member states.
Citing personal experiences with visa delays, he described such obstacles as a major challenge to intra-African collaboration. He commended countries with liberal visa policies, emphasizing that they encourage tourism, investment, and regional integration.
Mbachi also voiced concern over Africa’s leadership and called for reforms within continental institutions. He urged the AU to adopt structures that promote regional cooperation and seamless mobility, similar to other global blocs. He warned that rising tensions and conflicts among Africans in some countries threaten the continent’s progress.
He encouraged Africans to embrace unity, peaceful coexistence, and proactive governance to achieve sustainable development. Mbachi challenged civil society organizations to engage leaders constructively through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Regarding the scholarships, he said they aimed to enhance education, reduce youth restiveness, and empower young people to become confident future leaders.
Mr. Monday Ezeh, Project Manager of the Stephen and Judith International Education Foundation, called on African leaders to prioritize policies that unite Africans and encouraged beneficiaries to make judicious use of their opportunities. Some recipients thanked the organizers and pledged not to take the support for granted.
