…Projects $4.2bn Contribution to Africa’s GDP

By Emmanuel Elebeke

The United Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) has elected Zambia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hon. Roni Sokumbi, as its new Chairman during the 68th CAF meeting held in Abuja.

Nigeria was elected First Vice Chairman, with Angola emerging as Second Vice Chairman. The new leadership will serve for the 2025–2027 session.

The event, themed “Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism through Innovation, AI and Creative Industries in Africa,” drew over 5,000 global participants and featured panel discussions on pressing industry issues.

Additionally, Nigeria was elected Vice Chairman for the upcoming 26th UNWTO General Assembly, scheduled for November 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

In his keynote address, UN Tourism Secretary-General, Hon. Zurab Pololikashvili, noted that the world is currently facing over 57 global conflicts, the highest since World War II. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed tourism’s unique role as a force for peace, security, and cultural understanding.

For the first time, CAF integrated education, innovation, and creative industries into a single agenda—a move Pololikashvili described as visionary. “These sectors are deeply interconnected and essential to Africa’s future,” he said.

Highlighting Africa’s potential, he recalled a previous UN startup innovation competition:

“Natalia came to me after the deadline and said 70% of the applicants were from Africa. What does that tell us? The talent is here, but it needs investment—in books, in internet access, in digital tools.”

He emphasized that with nearly 50% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, digital inclusion must be prioritized to unlock the continent’s potential in both technology and tourism.

Pololikashvili also praised Nigeria’s cultural richness, with over 230 ethnic groups and languages, calling it a shining example of Africa’s diversity and strength. Commending the presence of 15 African tourism ministers, he described the gathering as a “rare and luxurious occasion” for collaboration.

He referenced the 10-point African Tourism Development Plan, developed alongside regional ministers:

“This plan is our blueprint. Our Bible. The train has left the station—and I thank all of you for being on board.”

Reaffirming his personal connection to Africa, the Secretary-General announced plans for a sixth visit to Nigeria, and urged the international community to recognize Africa’s growing transformation through tourism:

“Let’s continue in this spirit. With unity, patience, and long-term investment, we will build a more competitive, educated, and vibrant tourism sector for the next generation.”

In a key presentation titled “The Role of Technology in Preserving Nigeria’s Heritage,” Nigeria’s Director of Heritage, Mr. Chidi Stephen, noted that $347 billion was spent globally on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2025. However, over 2.6 billion people remain digitally illiterate, limiting access to transformative technologies.

Stephen projected that AI could contribute up to $4.2 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2030, with investment in tourism expected to reach $1 billion, growing annually at 29%. However, he pointed out that Africa’s share currently stands at just 1% of global AI investment.

He stressed that while AI is a powerful tool, its effectiveness depends on human-centered integration to truly enhance lives and preserve cultural heritage.

Earlier in her welcome address, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, described tourism as a unifying force amid global conflict. Citing the 57 active conflicts worldwide, she emphasized tourism’s continuing role in promoting peace and cross-cultural understanding.

Musawa also spotlighted Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as a key tourism asset and echoed the Secretary-General’s remarks about Africa’s youthful talent pool. She called for greater investment in education, digital infrastructure, and access to empower the continent’s young population.

She applauded recent tourism initiatives in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and celebrated the strong ministerial participation at the meeting, describing it as a “luxurious opportunity” for intergovernmental collaboration.

Musawa unveiled the 10-point tourism development plan co-created with fellow African ministers, describing it as a strategic roadmap for Africa’s tourism resurgence. She urged continued dedication to building an innovative, competitive, and educated tourism sector.

Ministers and delegates from Morocco, Angola, India, Peru, Zambia, Seychelles, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and the Central African Republic also contributed to the conference.

The event concluded with a call for sustained cooperation among African nations and global partners to leverage tourism as a driver for economic growth, innovation, and social impact.