Africa Business News of Wednesday, 9 October 2024
Source: thebftonline.com
Russia is reviewing visa-free travel agreements with several African countries, focusing on short-term stays.
While progress is slow, diplomatic talks continue, and agreements apply mainly to holders of diplomatic passports.
Russia's efforts to build stronger ties with Africa include initiatives from the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, but tourism and broader people-to-people connections remain limited.
African political elites and middle-class prefer Western and Asian holiday destinations over Russia.
Although Russia and Africa have signed declarations to boost cooperation, practical outcomes, like visa-free travel, are still pending.