05/08/2026
I came across this video of and this resonated so deeply with me.
As an entrepreneur running businesses across continents, travel freedom and fluidity are some of the biggest barriers to growth or even sustainability - the expense, rigorous process, sometimes denials, other times restrictions - even with an extensive travel history. Even with that.
I have had a factory and store in Lagos for almost 10 years, run stores in Washington DC, Kenya & Morocco. Held exhibitions in Paris, Torino, New York, Lagos, Vegas etc. residencies in Washington DC & London, travelled to 19 African countries and 25 more across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and The Americas. Had a flagship store on Bond Street and a second one in Hertfordshire, yet, YET, these do not account for travel trust or ease of access.
Especially in and across Africa. I would even say passport discrimination is unbelievably more prevalent across Africa as rigorous as it is in the West. More so for first time or less travelled African entrepreneurs.
There’s a lot been done, said and put in but a lot more to be done. Glad these conversations are being had and on global stages and platforms too.
Thank you for articulating this so succinctly and for amplifying this message.
-Bolupe
