A recent CNN article by Larry Madowo, titled ‘Africans lost nearly US$70 million (N$1.3 billion) to denied visa applications to Europe in 2024’, published on 21 May, revealed how Africans lost millions in non-refundable visa fees last year alone.

After weeks of form-filling, biometric queues and costly courier services, many applicants receive a one-line response: Application refused.

This isn’t diplomacy – it’s a racket that profits from African ambition.

Namibians know this pain.

Students, civil servants, and entrepreneurs routinely pay between N$3 500 and N$6 000 for United Kingdom, United States, or Schengen visas, only to be denied without a refund or explanation.

Even government-backed delegates to academic forums, cultural festivals or trade missions are often rejected.

It remains harder for a Kenyan engineer or Nigerian fintech founder to obtain a Namibian business or work permit than it is for a German consultant.

African traders trying to cross borders like Beitbridge or Kasumbalesa face more red tape than European tourists.

Ministries and chambers of commerce are quick to accept invitations to Berlin, London or Washington – but ignore those from Lusaka, Accra or Kigali.

Africans are blocking Africans and then wondering why we remain stagnant.

We now have more direct flights from African capitals to Europe and America than to one another.

Namibia and Kenya signed an agreement over 30 years ago to establish a direct flight route, yet we’re still waiting while routes to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Doha operate smoothly.

It’s often easier and cheaper to fly from Windhoek to Europe than to Nairobi.

Young Africans desperate to reach Europe continue to die in the Mediterranean Sea.

These are not merely economic migrants, they are victims of a system that has failed to give them hope at home.

Each body that washes ashore tells a story of ambition unfulfilled, of talent wasted, of dreams denied.

What if we built here what they are dying to find abroad?

But that vision will not be realised if we continue measuring success by how often we travel abroad.

Going overseas is not wrong but being denied a visa should not feel like the end of the world.

If a foreign embassy says you’re not welcome, believe them. Stop chasing validation.

Instead, reinvest your time, money, and talent in Windhoek, Nairobi, Harare or Lagos where your presence matters and your dignity remains intact.

Namibia can lead the way.

We must adopt reciprocal visa rules for countries with high rejection rates, demand transparency from foreign embassies and prioritise easing visa and work permit rules for fellow Africans.

Redirect public and corporate travel budgets to African destinations.

To the West: Cooperation is welcome. Condescension is not.

If you continue taking our money while shutting your doors, do not expect red carpets in return.

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