On October 11, 2025, the African continent found itself at a crossroads of mobility, diplomacy, and global influence, as two distinct but interconnected developments captured headlines. The Henley Passport Index 2025 revealed the top seven strongest African passports, highlighting the continent’s diverse progress in international travel freedom. Meanwhile, Russia’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nikolai Krasilnikov, publicly threw his country’s support behind Zimbabwe’s bid to join BRICS—a powerful economic bloc reshaping global alliances. Both stories, though seemingly separate, underscore the ways in which African nations are asserting themselves on the world stage, seeking both literal and figurative passports to greater opportunity.
According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Seychelles once again topped the list of Africa’s most powerful passports. Citizens of this picturesque island nation can now travel to 156 countries either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, and a host of Asian destinations. As reported by The Nation, this broad access isn’t just a matter of luck. Seychelles’ government has cultivated a reputation for tourism-driven diplomacy and a steady, pragmatic foreign policy, both of which have paid off in the form of exceptional global mobility for its people. The passport, in this sense, has become a symbol of the country’s growing international stature.
Hot on Seychelles’ heels is Mauritius, whose passport grants access to 149 countries. The Mauritian government’s emphasis on economic stability, transparent governance, and strategic partnerships has propelled its citizens to travel freely across much of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. According to The Nation, Mauritius is not only a financial hub but also a model of stability in the Indian Ocean—a reputation that continues to open doors for its travelers.
South Africa remains the undisputed leader on the African mainland, with its passport allowing entry to 103 countries without the need for a visa in advance. South Africans benefit from relatively easy travel across South America, Asia, and Africa, though they still face restrictions in parts of Europe and North America. As the Henley Passport Index notes, South Africa’s continued influence within the BRICS bloc and its active diplomatic engagement across the Global South have helped maintain this high ranking. The country’s global standing is further cemented by its role as a founding BRICS member, a point that takes on added significance in light of recent diplomatic moves.
Botswana, renowned for its political stability and reputation for good governance, ranks fourth with access to 86 countries. Its low corruption levels and transparent leadership have fostered international trust, giving its citizens more freedom to explore the world. Namibia follows in fifth place, offering its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 80 destinations. Namibia’s consistent foreign policy and steady economic development have improved its relations, particularly within Africa and Asia, broadening travel opportunities for its people.
Lesotho, often overlooked in discussions of global mobility, has been quietly rising in the rankings. In 2025, its citizens can travel to approximately 78 countries without prior visa requirements. This progress is largely thanks to the government’s efforts to deepen regional cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and to strengthen ties with emerging economies. Rounding out the top seven is Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, whose passport now offers access to about 75 countries. Recent years have seen the kingdom expand its diplomatic reach, opening up new travel opportunities for its citizens across Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
But the story of African mobility doesn’t end at the border. As nations strive to boost their citizens’ travel freedom, they’re also seeking a bigger voice in shaping the international order. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Zimbabwe’s recent diplomatic maneuvers. On the same day that passport rankings made waves, Russian Ambassador Nikolai Krasilnikov voiced Russia’s unequivocal support for Zimbabwe’s application to join BRICS.
In an interview with The Herald, Ambassador Krasilnikov stated, “Russia strongly supports Zimbabwe’s keen interest in engaging with BRICS . . . there are several levels of involvement, and it’s up to Zimbabwe to choose its path—whether as an observer, an invited participant at the next summit in India or by focusing on joining the New Development Bank.” He added, “As far as Russia is concerned, we welcome Zimbabwe’s integration into the BRICS family.”
BRICS, founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China—with South Africa joining in 2010—has emerged as a formidable force in global economics and politics. The bloc’s stated aim is to establish a new economic order, one that diverges from the traditional Western-aligned financial systems. For Zimbabwe, whose foreign policy is anchored in the principle of being a “friend to all and enemy to none,” alignment with BRICS is a logical step. Ambassador Krasilnikov emphasized that this approach is “in tandem with BRICS’ values.”
Zimbabwe’s interest in joining the New Development Bank, the financial arm of BRICS, has already attracted support from Russia, South Africa, and Brazil. The nation’s government sees participation in BRICS as a pathway to greater international influence and access to new economic opportunities. According to The Herald, Russia’s support doesn’t stop there. Ambassador Krasilnikov also expressed Moscow’s backing for Zimbabwe’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term. “We value Zimbabwe as a responsible member of the international community—and we need Zimbabwe in the Security Council as a trusted and constructive voice,” he said. Notably, Russia is serving as president of the Security Council this October, further highlighting the importance of these diplomatic overtures.
These developments—rising passport power and a bid for BRICS membership—are more than just headlines. They reflect a broader shift in Africa’s global engagement. As nations like Seychelles, Mauritius, and South Africa leverage their diplomatic and economic strengths to enhance mobility, others like Zimbabwe are forging new alliances to amplify their voice on the world stage. It’s a dynamic process, one that requires careful navigation of both opportunities and challenges. The choices African leaders make today—whether in negotiating visa agreements or seeking membership in global blocs—will shape the continent’s future role in international affairs.
As the dust settles on this eventful October day, one thing is clear: Africa’s passports and its diplomacy are both instruments of aspiration, opening doors not just to foreign lands, but to new possibilities in a rapidly changing world.