Africa drives innovation and youth empowerment through tourism

14-06-25

The 68th session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), recently held in Abuja, brought together over 300 delegates, including 18 tourism ministers, who committed to reimagining tourism as a driver of inclusive development across the continent. This high-level meeting underscored the will to transform tourism into a powerful force for economic opportunity, cultural pride, youth empowerment, and digital progress.

Attendees reviewed the significant progress made since the last session, especially highlighting the establishment of a Thematic Office for Innovation in Africa, launched in partnership with Morocco. This initiative aims to accelerate investment, digital transformation, and skills development within the tourism sector, promoting resilience, competitiveness, and access to new markets. The objective is to firmly anchor innovation in tourism management and national policies across African countries.

Cultural tourism was another key focus, with widespread recognition of the creative industries — such as film, music, fashion, and gastronomy — as essential pillars of enriched tourism offerings. Delegates emphasized their importance not only as visitor attractions but also as job creators and custodians of local cultural heritage.

Youth empowerment was a constant theme throughout the event, culminating in the launch of new educational programs and training academies in Zambia and Zimbabwe. These initiatives are designed to equip African youth as future leaders in the tourism sector. They are complemented by entrepreneurship opportunities that provide young people with tools to innovate and create employment within their communities.

African representation was reinforced through the election of key figures for upcoming terms: Zambia will take over the CAF presidency, supported by Angola and Nigeria as vice presidents, while Nigeria and Zimbabwe will hold leadership roles at the next UN Tourism General Assembly. Seychelles was chosen to host the next CAF meeting, and Cabo Verde will serve as the official venue for World Tourism Day in 2027.

Technological innovation, especially artificial intelligence (AI), took center stage in the discussions. A technical workshop explored its practical application to enhance creative economies, expand market access, and improve the tourism experience — always with a human-centered and ethical focus. Participants stressed the need to integrate innovation into education, public-private partnerships, and tourism infrastructure to promote an inclusive and culturally rooted digital evolution.

With nearly half of Africa’s population under the age of 25, delegates emphasized the urgency of digital inclusion and the importance of improving regional connectivity through simplified visa procedures that facilitate mobility and attract investment. This measure is expected to boost intra-African tourism while fostering greater economic and social integration.

The event concluded with a unified message: Africa’s tourism future must be led by its people, creativity, and shared vision for prosperity. African nations are moving toward a model of tourism that delivers tangible social, economic, and environmental impact — grounded in strong leadership, innovation, and cultural authenticity.

In short, this session of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa marks a strategic milestone. Africa is positioning itself as a hub for sustainable tourism that fuses technology, youth, creativity, and community empowerment. At a time when the global tourism sector is undergoing significant transformation, the African continent is emerging as a key player in a new narrative — one where tourism serves as a tool for development with a human face, committed to its people and their future.

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