Five Southern African Nations Expand Univisa to Boost Tourism in Kavango-Zambezi Conservation Area

In a significant move to enhance tourism, five Southern African countries—Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—have committed to expanding the use of a common visa, known as a univisa. This decision aims to facilitate easier movement of tourists across the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), a region celebrated for its natural beauty and biodiversity.

The univisa, currently operational in Zambia and Zimbabwe, allows tourists to enter multiple countries with a single visa. This initiative has already proven successful, covering day trips to Botswana through Kazungula. At the recent KAZA heads of state summit held in Livingstone, Zambia, leaders from the five nations agreed to extend the univisa to other member states within the conservation area and the broader Southern African economic bloc.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the importance of this expansion, stating, "We must simply say that this will happen. I am grateful that my colleagues have reached a consensus on the univisa." His sentiments were echoed by Botswana's Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, who confirmed that Botswana would fully adopt the univisa.

Why this matters: The expansion of the univisa in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area has significant implications for regional economic growth and conservation efforts. This move could lead to increased tourism revenue, job creation, and improved management of natural resources in the region.

The KAZA TFCA, spanning over 520,000 square kilometers, is the largest transfrontier conservation area in the world. It encompasses parts of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, housing a population of over two million people and more than 200,000 elephants. The region includes three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 100 wildlife management areas, and 85 forest reserves.

In addition to the univisa expansion, the KAZA member states resolved to urge the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to lift the ban on the trade of elephants and ivory. The region holds $1 billion worth of ivory stockpiles, which they aim to trade to fund conservation programs.

The commitment to the univisa and the collaborative efforts to promote tourism reflect a broader strategy to develop the KAZA TFCA as a premier tourist destination. The leaders discussed harmonizing efforts to manage and protect the natural resources and wildlife that define this unique eco-region. They also emphasized the importance of continuing traditional practices while adapting to modern conservation challenges.

The KAZA TFCA was established through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2006, culminating in the 2011 KAZA Treaty. This initiative aims to create a seamless region for tourism and conservation, promoting regional integration and economic growth. The recent summit marks a significant shift from competition to collaboration among tourism operators in the KAZA region.

Five Southern African countries are moving forward with the expanded univisa, and the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area is on the verge of becoming a more accessible and attractive destination for tourists worldwide. This collaborative effort not only aims to boost tourism but also to enhance the economic benefits and conservation efforts within the region.

Key Takeaways

• 5 Southern African countries to expand univisa for easier tourist travel.
• Univisa to cover Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, a 520,000 sq km region.
• Expansion aims to boost tourism revenue, job creation, and conservation efforts.
• Region holds $1 billion worth of ivory stockpiles, seeking to trade for conservation funding.
• KAZA TFCA aims to become a premier tourist destination, promoting regional integration and growth.