The report, which measures visa-free access to global gross domestic product (GDP), shows that while East Africa is making some gains in mobility, it still trails far behind small island nations like Mauritius and Seychelles.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and Kenya remain in the lower tier of Africa’s most powerful passports, according to the Henley Passport Power Index 2025, released recently.
The report, which measures visa-free access to global gross domestic product (GDP), shows that while East Africa is making some gains in mobility, it still trails far behind small island nations like Mauritius and Seychelles.
The Index assigns each country an “economic mobility score”, the percentage of global GDP its citizens can access visa-free.
Tanzania scored 5.39 percent, edging out Kenya at 5.05 percent, but both fell far short of the continent’s leaders.
Tanzania’s passport is now ranked at number 11, ahead of its neighbour Kenya, which the report ranked at number 12 among African peers.
Mozambique (4.86 percent) and Rwanda (4.49 percent) complete the East African bloc, underscoring the region’s limited global travel freedom.
“Passports are not just travel documents; they are gateways to economic opportunity. Improving visa-free access for Tanzanians could boost business, education, and investment flows. Right now, our region is punching below its weight,” says a political analyst.
At the very top of the African list are Mauritius and Seychelles, whose passports open doors to 55.53 percent and 55.25 percent of global GDP, respectively, despite their tiny contributions to the world economy.
Analysts attribute this to their proactive diplomacy, extensive visa-free agreements, and reputation as stable, tourism-driven economies.
“These island states have mastered the art of soft power,” said a Dar es Salaam-based international relations analyst. They’ve leveraged their size into mobility partnerships that far outpace their GDP,” added the analyst.
Beyond the islands, South Africa remains the continental heavyweight, giving its citizens visa-free access to 15.49 percent of global GDP, the highest for any mainland African country.
North African states also fare well, with Tunisia (14.02 percent) and Morocco (10.3 percent) in the top six.
Missed opportunities
By contrast, East Africa’s mobility remains tightly constrained. Despite being home to vibrant economies and hubs like Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, the region’s passports do not grant significant access to global markets.
“Visa restrictions remain one of the biggest barriers to Africa’s economic integration,” said Dr Michael Ochieng, a Nairobi-based expert.
“If the continent is serious about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), then freedom of movement must be prioritized. Otherwise, business leaders and students will continue to face needless obstacles,” added Dr Ochieng.
The Henley report also highlights the growing gap between African passports and global leaders like Japan, Singapore, and EU member states, whose citizens enjoy near-universal mobility across the global GDP.
The stakes
For everyday citizens, the power of a passport is about more than just skipping visa queues. It shapes opportunities in trade, education, and professional mobility.
“Every time a country signs a new visa-free agreement, it is a statement of trust and partnership. This is soft power at work,” emphasises Dr Ochieng.
As of 2025, Mauritius and Seychelles remain the clear champions of African mobility.
For Tanzania and its East African peers, the Henley Passport Power Index 2025 is a stark reminder of how much progress remains to be made, and how much they stand to gain by investing in stronger diplomatic and travel partnerships.
