For African travellers and expatriates, few issues command more attention than the power of their nation’s passport. Spoiler alert! Africa currently has very little passport power and limited economic mobility, according to the 2024 Henley Passport Index. 

The report ranks the world’s passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. How does Africa fare in this global competition? Which countries have the most powerful passports in the continent? We break down the list in this article using the latest data and insights from the Henley Passport Index.

10 most Powerful African passports in 2024

Here are the top 10 most powerful African passports based on Henley & Partners data:

1. Seychelles 🇸🇨: Africa’s top passport for the third year in a row. The archipelago nation has focused intently on improving travel opportunities through strategic deals with regional blocs. Seychelles’s passport gives you access to many places in Europe and China without a visa.

Global Rank: 26

Visa-Free Score: 156

2. Mauritius 🇲🇺: The Mauritian passport gains strength through trade and investment, and recent virtual residency rules enhance its appeal. Citizens enjoy barrier-free access to leisure and business in Commonwealth nations, making it an attractive choice for travel and work.

Global Rank: 30

Visa-Free Score: 150

3. South Africa 🇿🇦: The most developed country in Africa keeps its top-3 position in the region. South Africa’s role as an important growing market helps it get more travel deals with other countries, especially across Asia, the Americas and Russia.

Global Rank: 53

Visa-Free Score: 108

4. Botswana: An outlier as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, Botswana exceeds expectations in terms of passport power. The nation’s passport strength has boosted since it joined the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). This makes it easier for Botswana’s passport holders to enter 20 other countries in the group without pre-approved travel visas.

Global Rank: 59

Visa-Free Score: 91

5. Namibia 🇳🇦: Angola is Namibia’s latest addition for visa-free travel. This move is part of the country’s efforts to strengthen ties with key African trading partners. For those holding a Namibian passport, this translates to simpler travel and better connections with neighbouring regions.

Global Rank: 65

Visa-Free Score: 80

6. Lesotho 🇱🇸: The small country in the mountains of southern Africa is experiencing an increase in passport power, primarily because of its membership in the South African Customs Union. Lesotho also has new travel agreements with countries like Cote d’Ivoire, São Tomé, and Príncipe, granting members preferential access and travel freedom.

Global Rank: 65

Visa-Free Score: 80

7. Eswatini 🇸🇿: Africa’s last absolute monarchy saw a boost in its passport strength as a result of increased diplomatic links globally after changing its name in 2018. Joining COMESA also enabled eSwatini’s travel benefits.

Global Rank: 66

Visa-Free Score: 78

8. Malawi 🇲🇼: Malawi, known for its agriculture-based economy in East Africa, has a passport that benefits from being part of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa). The country’s emphasis on education and literacy is also helping its citizens make the most of opportunities abroad.

Global Rank: 67

Visa-Free Score: 76

9. Kenya 🇰🇪: Kenya’s passport strength reflects its commitment to enhance mobility with important global relationships. Within the East African Community, Kenya consistently outperforms other countries, emphasizing its citizens’ enthusiasm for foreign travel.

Global Rank: 67

Visa-Free Score: 76

10. Tanzania 🇹🇿: Tanzania’s passport is back in the top 10 of Africa’s most powerful for its strategic relations and streamlined immigration processes recently. With considerable potential for nature tourism, the country strives to elevate global engagement.

Rank: 69

Visa-Free Score: 73