Historic Ghana-Zambia Visa Waiver Signed During President Mahama’s State Visit

“Di Ghana guy no need visa go see ein wife, same way Zambian man fit now go find wife. Chale, make we go chop,” reflects the playful sentiment I feel, symbolizes the new ease of people-to-people movement between the two nations.

Photo Credit: Chellah Tukuta / Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shakes hands with Hon. Rodney Sikumba, MP, Minister of Tourism in Zambia after signing an MOU on tourism, among others.

Lusaka, Zambia — In a landmark moment for African diplomacy, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema oversaw the signing of a historic visa waiver agreement during President Mahama’s state visit to Zambia in February 2026. The agreement allows citizens of both countries to travel freely without visas, marking the first time such an arrangement has existed in the history of Ghana-Zambia relations.

“For the first time in the history of Ghana-Zambia relations, we’re going to have a free visa between our two countries,” said Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, while addressing Ghanaians in Zambia.

The visit included a state dinner attended by cabinet ministers, diplomatic officials, and members of both countries’ communities. The Ghanaian delegation expressed deep appreciation for the warmth of Zambian hospitality, highlighting the strong social and cultural links, including the significant number of intermarriages between Zambians and Ghanaians.

The dinner and bilateral meetings underscored the historical and economic parallels between Ghana and Zambia, including shared struggles for independence, reliance on mining, and similar economic challenges. Discussions focused on mutual learning, strengthening bilateral partnerships, and expanding cooperation in sectors such as health, education, air transport, defense, and trade.

President Mahama also addressed the Zambian National Assembly, highlighting Ghana’s domestic reforms and development agenda, including fiscal discipline, debt restructuring, local value addition in mining, and economic recovery measures. He emphasized the importance of self-reliance, good governance, and regional cooperation, echoing the Pan-African vision of both nations’ founding fathers, Kwame Nkrumah and Kenneth Kaunda.

A central highlight of the visit was the signing of ten memorandums of understanding (MOUs), including the visa-free travel agreement, which was hailed as a major step toward boosting tourism, trade, and regional integration. This historic milestone means that:

• Ghanaians no longer need visas to travel to Zambia for tourism, business, or family visits.
• Zambians are now visa-exempt when visiting Ghana, promoting cross-border exchange and cooperation.

President Mahama stressed that the agreement is more than a diplomatic formality — it represents trust, friendship, and a commitment to shared African prosperity. Both leaders reaffirmed their nations’ dedication to Pan-African unity, inclusive development, and leveraging Africa’s natural resources for sustainable growth.

The visit was also marked by cultural highlights, including the attention given to President Mahama’s ‘Fugu’ traditional attire, which sparked lively discussion on social media. Officials used the moment to educate and celebrate Ghanaian heritage, reinforcing the spirit of mutual respect and understanding.

The historic state visit and agreements signal a new chapter in Ghana-Zambia relations, strengthening not only political and economic ties but also people-to-people connections across the continent.

Photo Credit: Chellah Tukuta / Ghanaian President Mahama inspects a guard of honour on arrival and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, for a four days, state visit to Zambia

“Fugu moment sparks social media buzz!” — Ghanaian President Mahama wore the traditional ‘Fugu’ upon arrival, celebrating Ghanaian heritage and delighting Zambian hosts. While many Zambians were curious about the significance of the garment, some elements called it a blouse, prompting Ghanaians to quickly explain the cultural meaning and heritage of the attire, and turning what could have been just a fashion choice into a celebration of Ghanaian tradition and Pan-African camaraderie.

Dear Zambia….I am coming with my Fugu aka Blouse!

The moment was widely shared online, with memes, photos, and friendly commentary highlighting both the humour and cultural pride behind the attire.

His Excellency President Mahama’s visit, re-ignites an age old relationship between the two countries, while cementing a new era of friendship, trust, and collaboration between the peoples of Zambia, and the two presidents.

With the historic Ghana-Zambia visa waiver now in effect, citizens of both countries can travel freely between their nations, strengthening cultural ties. While a Zambian passport currently allows visa-free access to around over 40 countries and a Ghanaian passport grants entry to roughly 50 countries, this new bilateral agreement adds a meaningful regional dimension to travel freedom between Africa’s West and South. Beyond numbers, it symbolizes trust, friendship, and a commitment to Pan-African unity, showing that Africa’s future will be shaped not just by policies but by the ease of movement, connection, and shared opportunity among its people.

Inflation Snapshot: Past vs Current Presidents

🇬🇭 GHANA

• Past (Akufo-Addo): Inflation peaked around 40%+ (2022–23).
• Current (Mahama): 3.8% (Jan 2026)

🇿🇲 ZAMBIA

• Past (Lungu): Mostly double-digit inflation (≈15%+).
• Current (Hichilema): 9.4% (Jan 2026)

Bottom line: Both countries cut inflation sharply under current presidents — Ghana’s drop is deeper and faster, Zambia’s is steady and improving.

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