Congo President Opens Borders to All Africans as Leaders Push for Greater Continental Unity

African leaders gathered at the African Development Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville celebrated Africa Day with a major announcement from Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, who revealed that the Republic of the Congo will grant visa-free entry to all African nationals beginning January 1, 2027.

The declaration, made at the Kintele Conference Centre on Monday, was met with loud applause from delegates attending the high-level meetings. President Sassou-Nguesso said the move was aimed at strengthening African unity and accelerating regional integration.

He urged African nations to move beyond “selfishness and nationalism” by fully implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area to boost cooperation and economic growth across the continent.

The Africa Day celebration brought together heads of state, ministers, diplomats, investors, youth leaders, civil society groups, and private-sector representatives to discuss Africa’s transformation agenda and regional development goals.

Observed every year on May 25, Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 in Addis Ababa, now known as the African Union.

This year’s event aligned with the African Union’s 2026 theme focused on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems under Agenda 2063.

President Sassou-Nguesso emphasized the urgent need for stronger investment in infrastructure and water security, noting that no single African country could independently finance the roads, railways, airports, ports, and energy projects required for the continent’s transformation.

He also called for global support for ecosystem restoration and reforestation, describing Africa’s forests as “a second green lung of humanity” and highlighting the continent’s importance in the fight against climate change.

President of the African Development Bank Group, Sidi Ould Tah, stressed that Africa must deepen regional integration, strengthen continental institutions, and build confidence in its ability to shape its own future despite global economic uncertainty.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Ould Tah said Africa should focus on unlocking the value of its vast natural resources to drive prosperity and dignity for its people.

“Too often Africa is described in terms of what it lacks,” he said. “But if we focus only on what Africa does not have, we fail to see what it already possesses.”

He added that while earlier generations secured Africa’s political independence, the current generation must build stronger institutions and financing systems capable of supporting long-term development ambitions.

Meanwhile, African Union Chairperson and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye called for greater solidarity among African nations and reforms to global governance systems to better reflect Africa’s growing influence in world affairs.

Representing the African Union Commission, Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi praised the African Development Bank for promoting economic sovereignty and resilience across the continent through strategic investments.

The ceremony, hosted by veteran Cameroonian journalist Denise Epoté, also featured cultural performances by Congolese dancers and poetry recitals by artists Mariusca and Maître Muleck.

The African Development Bank Group’s 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville are being held under the theme: “Mobilising Africa’s Development Financing at Scale in a Fragmented World.”