Founder and chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has recounted an experience in which he was allegedly denied entry into South Africa because his visa expired one day before arrival, while European travelers were reportedly allowed to enter without visas.

Rabiu shared the incident during a presentation titled “Africa at Scale: Capital, Policy, and the Architecture of Growth” at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali.

The billionaire businessman used the experience to highlight broader concerns about economic integration, mobility restrictions, and unequal treatment faced by Africans within the continent.

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Speaking during the forum, Rabiu reflected on the difficulties many African business leaders and investors continue to face when traveling across African countries despite ongoing discussions about regional integration and economic cooperation.

According to him, the incident occurred when South African authorities denied him entry because his visa had expired only a day earlier.

He contrasted his experience with the treatment allegedly given to European visitors, whom he said were allowed to enter South Africa without requiring visas.

Rabiu suggested that such policies undermine efforts aimed at strengthening intra-African trade, investment, and economic collaboration.

The businessman argued that African nations must remove unnecessary travel and bureaucratic barriers if the continent hopes to unlock its full economic potential and compete globally.

Calls for Stronger African Economic Cooperation

During his presentation, Rabiu emphasized the importance of building policies that support African businesses, encourage investment, and improve cross-border movement for entrepreneurs and professionals.

He noted that while African leaders often speak about regional cooperation and continental development, practical obstacles continue to limit economic integration.

Analysts at the forum reportedly discussed how visa restrictions, inconsistent regulations, and weak infrastructure continue to affect trade and business expansion across Africa.

The issue has become increasingly relevant under the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative, which aims to create a unified African market and strengthen economic ties among member states.

Many business leaders believe easier movement across borders is essential for achieving the goals of the continental trade agreement.

Africa CEO Forum Focuses on Growth and Investment

The Africa CEO Forum in Kigali brought together government officials, investors, corporate executives, and policymakers from across the continent to discuss economic development, industrialisation, infrastructure, and private-sector growth.

Rabiu’s remarks formed part of broader conversations around how African countries can create more business-friendly environments capable of attracting long-term investment and supporting local industries.

The BUA Group founder has remained one of Africa’s most prominent industrialists, with investments spanning cement, sugar, food processing, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

His comments on travel restrictions and unequal treatment are likely to resonate with many African entrepreneurs who have repeatedly raised concerns over visa policies within the continent.

The incident has also renewed discussions about reciprocity, fairness, and mobility rights for African citizens traveling within Africa.

Critics of restrictive visa policies argue that Africans often face tougher travel requirements within their own continent than visitors from Europe or other regions.

Supporters of visa reforms believe that improving mobility for Africans could significantly boost tourism, business partnerships, and regional economic growth.

Rabiu’s remarks at the forum therefore highlighted not only a personal experience but also a wider debate over how Africa can remove structural barriers that continue to slow continental integration and development.