Africa Tourism Summit Aims to Empower Youth
In order to map out a future in which tourism propels inclusive, long-lasting development throughout the area, the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) convened stakeholders from the creative sector, government representatives, and tourist leaders. More than 300 participants attended the event, including 18 tourism ministers, demonstrating the strong level of support for UN Tourism’s efforts and regional goals.
The 68th session began with a call to action based on cooperation and advancement from Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “Progress is built on partnership and Africa’s story is one of resilience and renewal,” he said, recalling his first trip to Abuja in 2018. He reaffirmed commitment to Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth and praised the region’s swift tourism recovery, which has been fueled by digital innovation, streamlined procedures, and focused talent development.
Shared progress celebrated
In Abuja, UN Tourism’s Member States in Africa were given a thorough overview of the progress made in advancing shared goals since the Regional Commission’s last meeting. Key highlights of this shared progress include:
- The launch of the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa, in partnership with Morocco, designed to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
- A strong emphasis on creative industries, music, film, fashion, and cuisine, as drivers of culture-led tourism, visitor engagement, and local livelihoods.
- Advancements in education and youth empowerment, including new courses, academy launches in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and expansive training and entrepreneurship programmes.
“Tourism can be a ladder out of poverty and a platform for leadership,” Pololikashvili said, urging further investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
Key roles for African Member States in UN Tourism
In Abuja, Africa’s Member States fulfilled their statutory obligations with elections to key positions that will guide UN Tourism’s work forward over the coming years:
- Angola; Kenya; Seychelles; Zambia; Zimbabwe will serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029)
- Nigeria and Zimbabwe will serve as Vice-Presidents of the UN Tourism General Assembly (2025)
- Zambia will Chair the Regional Commission for Africa (2025-2027), with Angola and Nigeria the Vice-Chairs
Looking ahead, Seychelles will host the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (date TBC). Cabo Verde will then host the official celebrations for World Tourism Day 2027.
Innovation to shape Africa’s tourism future
The week’s discussions underlined a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity. Delegates stressed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must serve people first, by widening market access, easing travel, and reinforcing ethical standards.
On the sidelines of the 68th CAF meeting, UN Tourism held a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation shaping Tourism and Creative Industries for local officials. Discussions focused on placing AI tools and innovation to be at the forefront of tourism development across Africa, as well as on supporting education and entrepreneurial skills for growth as well as the importance of public-private partnerships.
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