Ouagadougou: The President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Dby Itno, announced the elimination of entry visas to Chadian territory for all African nationals starting January 1, 2027. This move is intended to enhance African integration and facilitate the free movement of people and goods across the continent.

According to Burkina Information Agency, during the announcement at the African Water Forum in N'Djamena, President Idriss Dby Itno emphasized the significance of this decision as part of Chad's commitment to "African integration and the free movement of goods and people." He highlighted Chad's strategic position as a central link connecting the West, East, North, and Central regions of Africa, reiterating its ambition to be the "crossroads of Africa."

Chad's decision positions it as the eighth African country to implement a visa exemption policy for all African citizens. Previously, only Rwanda, Benin, Gambia, Seychelles, Ghana, Kenya, and the Republic of Congo had adopted or announced similar measures. The African Water Forum, where the announcement was made, attracted several heads of state, African institutions, and international partners to discuss the financing of hydraulic infrastructure and access to water across the continent.

In his address, President Idriss Dby Itno urged international partners to expedite funding for the water sector. He also announced Chad's plan to invest significantly in water infrastructure through a National Water Pact, with a projected budget of $3.8 billion over five years. This initiative aligns with the African Union's goals to facilitate mobility on the continent, especially through Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Despite these positive strides, most African states continue to enforce visa requirements or offer exemptions only to specific regional communities.