(DDM) — Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the country will introduce an electronic visa (e-visa) system by 2026, marking a major milestone in the nation’s digital transformation strategy.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the initiative, unveiled during the MOBEX Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference 2025 in Accra, aims to simplify entry processes for investors, business travelers, and technology professionals seeking to explore opportunities in Ghana.
Ablakwa described the upcoming system as a cornerstone of Ghana’s diplomatic modernization, explaining that it would allow applicants to complete visa procedures entirely online, thereby eliminating in-person embassy visits and significantly reducing processing times.
He emphasized that the e-visa rollout is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance digital governance, attract foreign investment, and position Ghana as a hub for innovation and technology-driven commerce across West Africa.
The move aligns with ongoing reforms within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is also developing virtual consular services for Ghanaians abroad and remote diplomatic engagement platforms to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Ablakwa stressed that traditional paper-based diplomatic systems have become outdated, noting that digital platforms now represent the future of global diplomacy and business mobility.
During his address, delivered under the conference theme “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty,” the minister urged African nations to embrace technology to strengthen regional cooperation and drive sustainable economic transformation.
He linked Ghana’s digital reforms to initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which depends heavily on seamless cross-border digital infrastructure to achieve its objectives of integrated trade and mobility.
DDM learned that Ghana’s e-visa system will follow successful models implemented in Kenya, Rwanda, and Ethiopia, which have already digitized their visa processes to boost travel and tourism.
The Ghanaian platform will allow travelers to submit visa applications, upload documents, pay fees, and receive electronic approvals, all without physically visiting consulates or embassies.
Ablakwa also disclosed that Ghana is collaborating with other African governments to standardize digital credentials and e-document verification, ensuring that systems are interoperable across borders and not isolated within national frameworks.
Experts at the conference hailed the move as a forward-looking reform that could significantly improve Ghana’s ease of doing business rankings and help attract technology firms seeking African bases for regional operations.
For investors, entrepreneurs, and conference participants, the e-visa system promises faster processing, fewer bureaucratic obstacles, and greater flexibility.
By eliminating the need for physical appointments and document courier services, Ghana could dramatically cut visa wait times from weeks to days, assuming robust system performance.
The government’s digital push complements other national innovations such as the Bank of Ghana’s eCedi pilot for digital currency and the rapid expansion of mobile money transactions, which now exceed GH¢3 trillion annually.
However, DDM notes that the rollout will face challenges similar to those experienced by early adopters across the continent, including data protection, cybersecurity risks, and system integration issues.
Ensuring the security of applicant data, providing nationwide internet access, and training foreign service staff on new digital procedures will be critical to success.
Analysts also warn that while technology can improve efficiency, it cannot automatically solve long-standing concerns about visa transparency and fairness unless accompanied by consistent, accountable decision-making processes.
Ghana’s government appears aware of these pitfalls, with the Foreign Ministry pledging to maintain clear communication, predictable timelines, and transparent approval standards to boost public confidence in the system.
The 2026 deadline gives the ministry about 14 months to design, test, and launch the platform while training consular personnel and engaging technology vendors through transparent procurement processes.
For Ghana’s embassies abroad, the e-visa system could significantly reduce workload, freeing diplomatic staff to focus on trade facilitation, diaspora engagement, and policy coordination.
Still, missions will retain responsibility for handling complex applications, conducting security screenings, and supporting travelers who encounter technical difficulties.
The MOBEX Africa conference, now in its tenth year, continues to serve as a continental platform for innovation and policy dialogue, attracting top government officials, global investors, and African tech leaders.
Ablakwa’s announcement drew wide applause, with stakeholders describing it as a transformative step toward a borderless, digitally connected Africa capable of competing globally in trade, finance, and innovation.
Ultimately, Ghana’s success in implementing its e-visa system will depend on sustained political commitment, strong cybersecurity safeguards, and collaboration with private-sector experts to ensure operational stability and trust.
If successful, the project could set a new benchmark for digital diplomacy in Africa, reinforcing Ghana’s reputation as one of the continent’s most forward-thinking and investor-friendly economies.
