Rwanda is considering scrapping visa fees for citizens of the Commonwealth, as well as the African Union and La Francophonie member countries.
The President of Rwanda Paul Kagame made the announcement yesterday at the International School for Government at King’s College in London, while speaking about Rwanda’s transformation journey.
The conversation was moderated by Alexander Downer, the Executive Chair of the institution. The President emphasised the country’s commitment to trade with the rest of the world.
While giving his statement, he said Rwanda is considering exempting citizens of the Commonwealth, as well as the African Union and the Francophonie, from paying visa fees when entering Rwanda.
The move is expected to ease access to Rwanda for a significant section of the international community.
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Commonwealth has 53 members while Francophonie has 54 member states across the world. Till date, only 17 African countries were exempt from paying visa fees.
The tally of African countries, Commonwealth member states and La Francophonie set to benefit from the move comes to about 95 countries.
According to development experts, this move will among other things increase chances of Rwanda hosting global summits due to ease of access, among other benefits.
The development could also see Rwandans easily access countries from across the world in the event of reciprocity by beneficiary countries.
President Kagame who is in the UK for the UK-Africa Summit said that there is a positive momentum in terms of the relationship between the United Kingdom and Africa, including Rwanda.
Speaking on the factors that propelled Rwanda’s transformation over the years, Kagame said that the country has been informed by three mindset issues of urgency, unity and self-reliance.
