Meeting of UN Tourism Commission for Africa Focuses on Enhancing Social Impact, Promoting Innovation, and Empowering Youth
A Fresh Take on Tourism Progress and Innovation in Africa
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili kicked off the 68th session with a rousing call to action, stressing the power of partnership and progress. Reflecting on his first visit to Abuja in 2018, he highlighted Africa's resilience and renewal, praising the region's rapid recovery in tourism. Streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development have been the driving forces behind this rebound, with the Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth receiving renewed commitment.
A Celebration of Shared Achievements
At the meeting in Abuja, Member States in Africa were given an update on the progress made since the Regional Commission's last gathering. Some of the key milestones included:
- Launching the Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in partnership with Morocco, created to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
- Focusing on creative industries, such as music, film, fashion, and cuisine, as drivers of culture-led tourism, enhancing visitor engagement, and bolstering local livelihoods.
- Advancements in education and youth empowerment, marked by new courses, academy launches in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and comprehensive training and entrepreneurship programs.
"Tourism can serve as a ladder out of poverty and a platform for leadership," Pololikashvili stated, stressing the importance of investing in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
Pivotal Roles for African Member States in UN Tourism
During the Abuja gathering, Africa's Member States fulfilled their statutory duties by electing key figures to guide UN Tourism's work over the coming years:
- Angola, Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, and 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 serving as Vice-Chairs.
The 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa is scheduled to take place in Seychelles, followed by World Tourism Day 2027 celebrations in Cabo Verde.
Innovation Shaping Africa's Tourism Future
Discussions during the week underlined a shared vision: tourism led by Africans, powered by innovation, and rooted in cultural identity. Delegates agreed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must be people-centric, widening market access, easing travel, and upholding ethical standards.
On the sidelines of the 68th CAF meeting, UN Tourism held a Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation focused on placing AI tools and innovation at the forefront of tourism development across Africa. The discussions centered on supporting education, entrepreneurial skills for growth, and the importance of public-private partnerships.
Innovation will play a crucial role in shaping Africa's tourism future, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve destination management, visitor services, and data-driven decision-making.
- The Secretary-General praised Africa's resilience and renewal, attributing the rapid recovery in tourism to streamlined protocols, digital innovation, and targeted skill development.
- The Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa was launched in partnership with Morocco, aiming to drive investment, capacity-building, and digital transformation in tourism.
- The importance of investing in digital literacy, vocational training, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly for women and marginalized communities, was emphasized.
- Africa's Member States elected key figures to guide UN Tourism's work over the coming years, including Angola, Kenya, Seychelles, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to the UN Tourism Executive Council.
- Delegates agreed that technology and Artificial Intelligence must be people-centric, widening market access, easing travel, and upholding ethical standards in the tourism sector.
- The 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa is scheduled to take place in Seychelles, followed by World Tourism Day 2027 celebrations in Cabo Verde.
- Innovation will play a crucial role in shaping Africa's tourism future, with a focus on leveraging technology to improve destination management, visitor services, and data-driven decision-making.
- During the Technical Workshop on AI and Innovation, discussions centered on supporting education, entrepreneurial skills for growth, and the importance of public-private partnerships in Africa's tourism development.
