Wednesday, June 18, 2025

In a landmark gathering in Abuja, Nigeria, the United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) convened a powerful meeting to explore ways tourism can play a critical role in shaping the future of Africa. Bringing together key tourism leaders, government officials, and industry stakeholders, the event was a platform to outline actionable strategies for sustainable development, innovation, and youth empowerment within the African tourism sector.

With over 300 delegates, including 18 tourism ministers from across the region, the event stood as a testament to the growing support for the UN Tourism Commission’s work. The presence of such influential figures underscored the importance of tourism as a driver of economic and social growth in Africa.

In his opening remarks, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili made a passionate call for increased collaboration among African nations to leverage tourism for sustainable and inclusive growth. Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, Pololikashvili remarked, “Progress is built on collaboration,” emphasizing Africa’s resilience and ability to rebound from past challenges. He noted that tourism in Africa had witnessed rapid recovery, bolstered by simplified travel protocols, digital advancements, and a focus on capacity building in the sector.

The Secretary-General reaffirmed the UNWTO’s commitment to the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth, which serves as a guiding framework for the tourism sector’s future on the continent. He emphasized that Africa’s story is one of resilience, renewal, and innovation, and tourism can act as a powerful tool for socio-economic transformation across the region.

The meeting in Abuja also provided a platform for African UN Tourism Member States to showcase the strides made since the last Regional Commission meeting. These advancements reflect Africa’s growing tourism sector, driven by both innovation and collaboration. Noteworthy milestones included:

In partnership with Morocco, the UNWTO launched the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa. This office aims to foster investment, digital transformation, and capacity building in the tourism industry. The initiative is set to provide a platform for African countries to modernize their tourism infrastructure and promote cutting-edge technologies in the sector.

African nations have increasingly focused on creative industries like music, film, fashion, and gastronomy as integral parts of the cultural tourism offering. This approach not only supports local economies but also creates new opportunities for visitor engagement and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The promotion of these sectors is seen as a way to diversify tourism offerings and attract a wide range of visitors.

Recognizing the transformative power of education and skills development, African countries are prioritizing youth empowerment in tourism. This includes the provision of new courses and the establishment of training academies in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Ambitious training programs are also being launched to support entrepreneurship, particularly for marginalized communities and women. The focus is on providing youth with the skills to become leaders in the tourism industry.

Pololikashvili emphasized that “tourism can provide a springboard out of poverty and a platform for leadership,” urging increased investments in digital and vocational training as well as youth entrepreneurship programs. His call to action highlights the vital need for African governments and the private sector to invest in human capital to ensure a thriving tourism economy.

A critical component of the meeting was the elections to appoint African nations to key positions within the UNWTO. These appointments will play a significant role in shaping the future direction of tourism policies and initiatives in Africa. The results of the elections are as follows:

These appointments demonstrate the growing influence of African nations in the global tourism landscape and reflect the continent’s rising leadership role in shaping international tourism policies.

Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa, while Cape Verde will host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027, both offering further opportunities to showcase the continent’s tourism potential on the world stage.

The event in Abuja showcased a shared aspiration among African leaders: to create a tourism sector that is led by innovation and deeply rooted in cultural identity. Discussions centered around the integration of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into tourism development, with an emphasis on ensuring these tools serve people and foster ethical standards.

In parallel with the CAF meeting, UNWTO organized a technical workshop on the use of AI tools and digital innovation. The workshop explored how AI can be harnessed to improve market access, optimize travel experiences, and enhance the tourism sector’s overall competitiveness. Delegates emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of these technologies, particularly in enhancing tourism services and fostering entrepreneurial growth in the region.

The successful meeting in Abuja set the stage for a future where African tourism can thrive sustainably. With increased collaboration, a focus on innovation, and a commitment to youth empowerment, Africa’s tourism sector is poised for a bright future.

By focusing on innovation, fostering local leadership, and harnessing the potential of its creative industries, the continent can continue to build on its unique strengths, creating opportunities for growth, employment, and a stronger connection between African nations and the global tourism community.

References: UNWTO official website, Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Zambian Ministry of Tourism