The United States is set to significantly reduce the number of embassies and consulates in Africa that process visa applications, cutting them from nearly 50 locations to 20 designated hubs. The move, reported by the Associated Press, is expected to take effect in the coming weeks as part of a broader tightening of U.S. immigration and visa policies.
Under the new arrangement, visa processing will be centralised in major African cities including Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, Addis Ababa, Dakar, and others. These remaining hubs will handle both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications across their respective regions.
From a business and mobility perspective, the decision is likely to increase pressure on the remaining visa centres, potentially leading to longer processing times and higher travel costs for applicants. Businesses, students, and investors who previously accessed closer consular services may now need to travel to other countries to complete visa procedures.
The policy aligns with wider U.S. efforts to tighten visa issuance and reduce overstays, alongside global reductions in consular staffing and stricter application requirements. Officials say the changes are aimed at improving efficiency and enforcement, though critics warn they could slow legitimate travel and weaken international business and education ties.
Across Africa, countries hosting the remaining hubs may experience increased consular traffic and related economic activity, while others lose direct access to visa processing services. The shift is expected to have broad implications for trade, investment, and mobility between Africa and the United States.
