Business
Ghana Moves to Boost Trade, Tourism with Visa-Free Access for Africans
President John Dramani Mahama announces Ghana’s move to introduce a visa-free policy for all Africans starting May 25, 2026, targeting improved mobility and deeper regional cooperation.
The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa at Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
Ghana’s President John Mahama (R) and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, pose for a photo on April 2, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. /Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Under the new policy, African travellers will be able to apply for electronic visas at no cost, marking a shift in Ghana’s immigration system aimed at improving accessibility while maintaining security standards.
Mahama said the move reflects Ghana’s long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism, describing the country as a “cradle” of the ideology. He added that the initiative will officially take effect on Africa Day.
According to the President, the policy is expected to boost tourism, strengthen trade ties, and position Ghana as a more attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs across the continent.
He further disclosed that since taking office in 2025, his administration has signed 23 visa waiver agreements to improve travel access for Ghanaian citizens.
The new visa-free regime places Ghana among a growing number of African countries adopting open-border policies to encourage mobility. It also aligns with continental frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes intra-African trade and economic cooperation.
Ghana houses the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, positioned as a key driver of continental integration; the visa-free policy supports AfCFTA’s goal of reducing barriers not just to trade—but to movement of people. This is critical for services, SMEs, tourism and informal cross-border trade.
Currently, this development leans toward free e-visas, not completely visa-free entry at borders meaning travellers will apply online, but won’t pay fees.
Countries including Benin, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Seychelles already offer visa-free access to African nationals, while others have adopted simplified entry systems such as e-visas and visa-on-arrival policies.
Ghana has long positioned itself as a Pan-African hub, through initiatives like the “Year of Return” in 2019, and the new visa-free policy reinforces this identity. Its success will depend on effective border security, migration management, and infrastructure readiness, including immigration systems, data tracking, and airport capacity.
Analysts project that the visa-free regime will improve intra-African relations, which is currently under 20% of Africa’s total travel; while making movement easier for entrepreneurs, creatives, and digital workers, it could potentially boosting sectors such as aviation, tourism, hospitality, trade and cross-border logistics.
Coronation Insurance Plc has announced the launch of MotorMax, an innovative motor insurance policy designed to transform the Nigerian motor insurance landscape by moving motorists beyond basic third-party compliance to affordable, comprehensive vehicle protection.
For decades, motor insurance adoption in Nigeria has largely been limited to mandatory third-party coverage. MotorMaxaddresses this gap by offering motorists robust, accessible protection for their own vehicles, with plans starting from as low as ₦25,000.
MotorMax introduces a flexible, tiered structure—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—tailored to meet the diverse needs and budgets of Nigerian drivers, from urban commuters to long-distance travellers and owners of high-value vehicles.
The MotorMax Bronze plan serves as an entry-level upgrade from basic third-party insurance. Priced at ₦25,000 annually, it offers vehicle repair coverage of up to ₦500,000; third-party vehicle damage coverage of up to ₦3,000,000; unlimited (but reasonable) compensation for third-party injury or death; towing services up to ₦5,000; emergency medical expense coverage up to ₦10,000; and a 10% policy excess.
The MotorMax Silver plan, available at ₦45,000 annually, enhances protection with vehicle repair coverage up to ₦750,000, increased towing benefits of up to ₦15,000 (intra-state) and ₦25,000 (inter-state), and emergency medical coverage up to ₦15,000.
At the premium tier, MotorMax Gold offers motorists near-comprehensive benefits at a significantly lower cost than traditional comprehensive insurance. Priced at ₦50,000 annually, it includes vehicle repair coverage up to ₦1,000,000; third-party vehicle damage coverage up to ₦3,000,000; unlimited liability for third-party injury or death; towing services up to ₦15,000 (intra-state) and ₦25,000 (inter-state); emergency medical coverage up to ₦20,000; and a 10% policy excess.
MotorMax is specifically designed for motorists currently on third-party policies who seek enhanced protection without the financial burden of full comprehensive insurance. By bridging the gap between compliance and comprehensive cover, the product empowers drivers with greater peace of mind on every journey.
Speaking on the launch, Olamide Olajolo, MD/CEO of Coronation Insurance Plc, said:
“MotorMax represents our commitment to reimagining insurance for the everyday Nigerian. We understand that many motorists want more protection than third-party cover but are constrained by cost. With MotorMax, we are providing a practical, affordable solution that delivers meaningful coverage and peace of mind. This is a significant step in deepening insurance penetration and ensuring more Nigerians are truly protected on the road.”
The launch of MotorMax underscores Coronation Group’s broader mission to deliver transformational solutions that address real-life challenges across Africa. By raising the standard for motor insurance offerings, Coronation Insurance continues to position itself as a customer-focused innovator in the industry.
Motorists can purchase MotorMax by emailing digitalsales@coronationinsurance.com.ng or calling 02-012275475 or 02-012275476.
The post Coronation Insurance Redefines Motor Insurance in Nigeria with Launch of MotorMax appeared first on Business Today NG.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Naira weakened to ₦1,389 per dollar, down from ₦1,382.75/$ recorded before the Easter break, amid continued pressure in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
This contained in a notice posted on the official website of Central Bank of Nigeria,( CBN), that intraday trading saw the local currency fluctuate between ₦1,381/$ and ₦1,390/$, with an average rate of ₦1,386.3/$.
Meanwhile, the country’s external reserves fell by about $850 million over three weeks, declining to $49.18 billion between March 11 and April 2, 2026, highlighting tightening liquidity in the forex market.
Activity in the Non-Deliverable Forward (NFEM) interbank market recorded a turnover of ₦48.66 billion across 71 deals.
The post Naira Slides to ₦1,389/$ as External Reserves Fall to $49.18bn appeared first on Business Today NG.
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