Ugandan billionaire and real estate tycoon Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia has called on African leaders to embrace the idea of a single African passport and visa-free travel across the continent, saying the policy would revolutionize trade, connectivity, and integration.
Dr. Sudhir, who will be the Chief Guest at the upcoming 8th Pan African Pyramid Global Awards on August 30th in Kampala, urged the continent to move beyond outdated borders and seize the opportunity of unity.
“As an African and a successful businessman, I strongly believe that a single passport and visa-free Africa will transform the way we trade, travel and communicate,” he stated.
“Imagine engaging with 1.2 billion Africans directly for business and no third parties. So let us spark the conversation for one Africa, one passport, one future.”
Sudhir Ruparelia is the founder and Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, one of East Africa’s largest business conglomerates with interests in real estate, banking, education, hospitality, and agriculture.
Known for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, he is one of the most influential entrepreneurs in Africa.
His comments come at a time when the African Union is under renewed pressure to fast-track the rollout of the long-promised African Passport, first launched in 2016 but still inaccessible to ordinary citizens.
The upcoming awards ceremony will not only celebrate outstanding Pan-Africanists but also serve as a platform to champion ideas like Sudhir’s—bold proposals aimed at building One Africa, One Future.