SADC ministers move forward with UNIVISA plan to unlock seamless travel, tourism across Southern Africa

SOUTHERN AFRICA – The SADC Ministers responsible for Tourism convened a virtual meeting on 10 February 2026 to push forward the region’s long-anticipated Tourism UNIVISA project, a transformative initiative designed to simplify entry procedures and boost multi-country tourism.

Chaired by South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia De Lille, the gathering also addressed the formal winding up of the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA), marking a significant shift in the region’s tourism governance.

Southern Africa is taking a giant leap toward making cross-border travel as smooth as a sunset cruise on the Zambezi.

A Visa That Opens Doors, Lots of Them

So, what exactly is the SADC Tourism UNIVISA?

Picture this: instead of collecting a patchwork of visas for each country, travelers could obtain one single visa that grants them access to multiple SADC nations.

The project aims to slash bureaucratic red tape, reduce entry barriers, and encourage visitors to explore more than just one destination.

During the meeting, Ms. Angele Makombo N’tumba, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, described the initiative as a “transformative opportunity” with the power to boost destination competitiveness, inspire multi-country itineraries, increase visitor stays, and unlock serious economic benefits across member states.

Momentum Builds with Key Endorsements

Minister De Lille opened the session by underscoring the UNIVISA’s strategic role in enhancing regional tourism and the urgent need to conclude RETOSA’s wind-up process in an orderly fashion.

The meeting saw strong attendance, with ministers and representatives from 14 SADC member states, including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Seychelles.

The collective message was clear: tourism is no longer a nice-to-have; it’s a critical engine for inclusive economic growth, employment, and deeper regional integration.

A New Chapter for Southern African Tourism

The winding up of RETOSA, which has served as the region’s tourism marketing arm, signals a deliberate shift toward a more streamlined, intergovernmental approach aligned with the SADC Tourism Programme 2020–2030.

Member states reaffirmed their commitment to the SADC Treaty and the Protocol on the Development of Tourism, signaling that this isn’t just talk, it’s a coordinated strategy backed by decades of agreements.

For travelers, tour operators, and the entire hospitality ecosystem, the UNIVISA represents a thrilling prospect: a Southern Africa that feels less like a collection of borders and more like a single, welcoming, and wonderfully diverse destination.

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