Based on Henley & Partners’ 2024 data, here are the top 5 strongest African passports:
1. **Seychelles**
– Global Rank: 26
– Visa-Free Score: 156
– Seychelles has consistently held the top spot for three years, offering its citizens visa-free access to numerous European and Chinese destinations.
2. **Mauritius**
– Global Rank: 30
– Visa-Free Score: 150
– The Mauritian passport benefits from strong trade and investment initiatives, facilitating seamless travel and business opportunities in Commonwealth countries.
3. **South Africa**
– Global Rank: 53
– Visa-Free Score: 108
– As Africa’s economic powerhouse, South Africa maintains a robust standing, enabling favorable travel arrangements across Asia, America, and Russia.
4. **Botswana**
– Global Rank: 59
– Visa-Free Score: 91
– Botswana’s membership in COMESA allows its passport holders visa-free access to 20 member countries, enhancing travel ease within the region.
5. **Namibia**
– Global Rank: 65
– Visa-Free Score: 80
– Namibia offers visa-free entry to many African countries due to its trading partnerships, providing both regional and international travel opportunities.
**Nigeria’s Passport Rank:**
– Global Rank: 95
– Within Africa: 34th position
– Despite securing visa-free access to 11 additional destinations since 2006, Nigeria’s passport has dropped 38 places globally, highlighting its limited international travel privileges compared to the top-ranked African passports.
These rankings illustrate the varying degrees of travel freedom and global mobility that African passport holders enjoy, influenced by diplomatic relations, economic status, and regional partnerships.