Raila Odinga calls for visa-free travel to empower Africa’s youth

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called on African governments to eliminate visa restrictions for intra-African travel and open up the continent’s airspace to African airlines. He said the move would boost economic integration and unlock opportunities for Africa’s fast-growing youth population.

Speaking at the 2025 International Conference on African Development (ICAD) in Abuja, Nigeria, Odinga argued that the benefits of free movement far outweigh the revenues currently generated from visa fees.

He noted that time has come for Africa to remove unnecessary barriers so that the free movement across the borders will create opportunities for the young people and drive development.

He was joined at the conference by Plateau State Governor H.E. Caleb Mutfwang and former African Union Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao.

Odinga emphasized that Africa’s youth—who make up the majority of the population—must be empowered to lead the continent’s transformation.

“It’s their time to deliver the dreams of our founders,” he said. He added that good governance, youth-focused policies, and economic opportunities are essential to harnessing their potential.

The ICAD 2025 forum brought together leaders, policymakers, and development experts from across Africa to discuss strategies for accelerating growth and integration on the continent.