Nigerian adventurer becomes first African to travel overland from Nigeria to Namibia, advocates for African integration
In a bold and historic feat, Omotoke Fatoki, a Nigerian travel enthusiast, entrepreneur, and advocate for African unity, has become the first African to journey overland from Lagos, Nigeria, to Windhoek, Namibia.
Spanning 9 countries across West, Central, East, and Southern Africa, this six-month journey highlights the immense potential of intra-African travel while shedding light on the barriers that hinder its full realization.
Speaking on the importance of the journey, Omotoke Fatoki stated, “This was not just about adventure; it was a statement on the need for Africans to reclaim their narratives, embrace their heritage, and experience the beauty of our continent first hand. Africa is ours to explore, to connect with, and to develop.”
The expedition, which covered over 10,000 kilometers, revealed both the breathtaking diversity of Africa and the significant challenges Africans face when traveling within their continent. From costly visas to border delays and discriminatory tourist pricing, the journey reflected the need for policies that align with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This journey speaks directly to the goals of AfCFTA,” Omotoke Fatoki added. “For Africa to thrive as a single market, we must ensure that movement across borders is seamless. Africans should not face more barriers traveling across their own continent than they would traveling abroad.”
Recommendations for Nigerian Stakeholders and AfCFTA
Drawing from their experiences, Omotoke Fatoki is calling on Nigerian policymakers, the private sector FTAN (Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria), and the AfCFTA Secretariat to address key barriers to intra-African travel. Recommendations include:
- Introducing a Single African Visa: Streamlining visa processes across the continent to facilitate easier movement for Africans.
- Improving Land Borders: Reducing corruption and simplifying procedures at land crossings to make overland travel less stressful.
- Promoting Nigerian Tourism Diplomacy: Positioning Nigeria as a leader in advocating for freer African movement under the AfCFTA framework.
- Building Better Infrastructure: Investing in road networks and transportation hubs to improve connectivity across Africa.
Why This Journey Matters to Nigeria
This historic journey underscores the strategic importance of AfCFTA for Nigeria’s economy and its people. Nigeria, being Africa’s largest economy, has a significant role to play in shaping policies that promote trade, tourism, and mobility across the continent. The journey also highlights the potential for tourism and cultural exchange to strengthen Nigeria’s ties with other African nations, opening new opportunities for business, investment, and diplomacy.
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As the final destination of the journey, Namibia left a lasting impression with its organized cities, hospitable people, and high-quality infrastructure. Omotoke Fatoki noted that Africa’s potential far exceeds the stereotypes often associated with the continent, emphasizing the need for Nigerians to invest in African opportunities rather than seeking alternatives abroad.
“This journey isn’t just my story—it’s a call to action for Nigerians and Africans at large,” said Omotoke Fatoki. “We have so much to gain by building stronger connections within our continent. I hope my journey inspires others to explore Africa, celebrate our shared heritage, and work toward an integrated future.”
