Five Southern African countries on Friday committed to expanding the use of a special common visa to allow easier movement of tourists as the region seeks to boost arrivals.
Officials from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, countries that make up the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area, pledged in principle to broaden use of the special visa, called a univisa, which allows entry into multiple countries.
The univisa is currently used in Zambia and Zimbabwe and covers day trips to Botswana through Kazungula.
Regional leaders attending a KAZA heads of state summit in Livingstone, Zambia, said they want the special visa extended to other states in the conservation area as well as the southern African economic bloc.
"We must simply say that this will happen," Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said in his address. "I am grateful that my colleagues have reached consensus on the univisa."
Botswana Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said his country would fully adopt the univisa.
KAZA member states also resolved to urge the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to lift a ban on the trade of elephants and ivory.
The 184-member inter-governmental CITES regulates wildlife trade to protect certain species from over-exploitation. It banned trade in African elephant ivory in 1989 after the animal's population had declined sharply in the previous decade.
KAZA states say they hold $1 billion worth of ivory stockpiles, which they want to trade to fund conservation programmes.
Latest Stories
-
Putin says Russia will use new missile again in ‘combat conditions’
17 mins -
We have rescued kidnapped Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager – Police
39 mins -
Bawumia-branded campaign vehicle burns, occupants escape unscathed
57 mins -
Bawumia, thousands observe ‘Jummah’ prayers as new Walewale Central Mosque is commissioned
1 hour -
Peasant farmers hail Bawumia as Walewale Watermelon Factory is commissioned
2 hours -
Joy FM Prayer Summit for Peace ends in electrifying worship and prayer
9 hours -
The Conscience of Leadership: A call to President Akufo-Addo on Ghana’s environmental devastation
10 hours -
Ghanaian youth unaware of their right to hold politicians accountable – Youth Bridge Foundation
10 hours -
Judge delays Trump sentencing for a third time
11 hours -
2024 WAFCON: Ghana drawn against defending champions South Africa in Group C
11 hours -
Photos from DW-JoyNews street debate on ‘galamsey’
12 hours -
Mimmy Yeboah: Blending heritage with global sophistication, confidence redefined through couture
12 hours -
100 Most Influential People Awards 2024: Brain Hill International School’s Director Mary Anane Awuku honoured
13 hours -
Akufo-Addo commissions 97-km Tema-Mpakadan railway line
13 hours -
Majority requests recall of Parliament
13 hours