Business magnate Sudhir Ruparelia has joined the growing chorus of voices calling for the removal of visa restrictions within Africa, saying a single African passport could revolutionise trade, travel, and integration across the continent.
“As a successful African businessman, I strongly believe that a single passport and visa-free Africa will transform the way we trade, travel and communicate. Imagine engaging with 1.2 billion people in Africa directly for business,” said Sudhir, the Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, who is Uganda’s richest businessman.
The billionaire businessman made the remarks ahead of his appearance as Guest of Honour at the upcoming Eighth Pan African Pyramid Global Awards 2025 and 11th anniversary bonfire dinner, scheduled for August 30th at Fairway Hotel in Kampala.
Sudhir’s call comes at a time when the debate over free movement within Africa is gaining momentum. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 outlines visa-free travel as a key priority, and several African nations are already embracing the shift. Ghana joined the list in January 2025, following the lead of Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin—all of which have lifted visa restrictions for African citizens.
Closer to home, East African countries now operate under a regional passport that permits citizens to travel freely within the bloc. This regional success should inspire broader continental adoption.
“Let’s start the conversation from the Pearl of Africa. One Africa, One Passport, One Future,” Sudhir said.
As Africa continues to explore regional integration and economic transformation, calls from influential business leaders like Sudhir may add momentum to the vision of a truly borderless Africa.
