…Calls for United Efforts to Boost Investment, Preserve Heritage, and Drive Prosperity Across Africa

By Emmanuel Elebeke

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on African nations to adopt sustainable, eco-friendly tourism policies that preserve cultural heritage and drive economic growth across the continent.

Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) meeting in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to position Africa as a global leader in sustainable tourism. He urged countries to align with regional and international bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and UN Tourism to share best practices, enhance infrastructure, and promote intra-African travel.

“Tourism is more than visiting landmarks,” Tinubu stated. “It is an engine of economic growth, a bridge between cultures, and a catalyst for sustainable development.”

He highlighted the transformative role of technological innovation—particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and the creative industries—in reshaping the tourism landscape. He also praised Nigeria’s cultural exports, including Nollywood, music, and fashion, as significant contributors to GDP, job creation, and global influence.

President Tinubu called for stronger public-private partnerships to unlock the tourism sector’s full potential, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient.

In opening the regional meeting, he urged delegates to prioritize actionable strategies that strengthen intra-African travel, empower local communities, and position Africa at the center of global tourism discourse.

In her welcome address, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, echoed the President’s vision. She encouraged African nations to harness innovation, AI, and the creative economy to fully realize tourism’s vast potential.

“Africa must build people-powered economies through tourism and culture,” Musawa said, referencing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as a blueprint for national transformation. She noted that Africa accounts for less than 5% of global tourism revenue and under 1% of creative exports, calling for a united effort to close this gap.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili also praised Nigeria’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector. He described Africa as the next frontier in global tourism and urged African leaders to improve regional mobility by reviewing and easing visa policies.

In her remarks, Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), emphasized the importance of innovation and Africa’s potential to lead in shaping the digital future of tourism. She called for inclusive strategies that prioritize local innovation and ensure women and youth play central roles in tourism development.

“This is our moment to redefine how Africa is seen, experienced, and valued globally,” she concluded.