The UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, or CAF, brought together leaders in tourism, government officials and creative sector stakeholders to map out a future that will see tourism drive lasting, inclusive growth across the region. More than 300 delegates attended the event, including 18 Ministers for Tourism. This reflects the support at a high level for UN Tourism and its vision for the area.
Zurab Polilikashvili was the Secretary-General who opened the 68th sessions with an action call rooted on partnership and progress. He reflected on his 2018 first visit to Abuja and noted thatAfrica’s resilience and renewal is a story of partnership, and progress.“He lauded regional tourism’s rapid growth, which was driven by streamlined protocol, digital innovation and targeted skill-development, and reaffirmed his commitment to Agenda for Africa: Inclusive Growth through Tourism.
Celebrate progress with others
In Abuja the UN Tourism Member State in Africa was given an overview of the progress that has been made to advance shared goals since last year’s Regional Commission Meeting. These shared achievements include:
- The Thematic Office for Innovation in Africa was launched in partnership with Morocco to promote investment, capacity building, and digital transformation of tourism.
- The creative industries such as music, film, food, and fashion are key drivers for culture-led tourism and visitor engagement.
- The advancements in education and youth empowerment include new courses and the launch of an academy in Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are also extensive training programmes and entrepreneurship programmes.
Tourism can provide a way out of poverty, and also a platform to lead.
Pololikashvili urged further investment in digital education, vocational training and youth entrepreneurship. This was especially for women and marginalized groups.
African Member States’ Key Roles in UN Tourism
In Abuja the African Member States fulfilled their statutory obligation by electing to key positions which will guide UN Tourism in the years ahead:
- Angola, Kenya Seychelles Zambia Zimbabwe will all serve on the UN Tourism Executive Council (2025-2029).
- Nigeria and Zimbabwe are the Vice-Presidents for the UN Tourism General Assembly in 2025.
- Zambia will be the Chair of the Regional Commission for Africa, with Angola & Nigeria as Vice-Chairs (2025-2027).
Seychelles, in the near future, will host the UN Tourism Commission for Africa’s 69th Meeting (date TBC). Cabo Verde is then set to host the official celebrations of World Tourism Day in 2027.
Africa’s tourism is shaped by innovations
The discussions of the week emphasized a shared vision – a tourism based on innovation and cultural identity, led by Africans. Delegates emphasized that technology and artificial intelligence must serve the people first by widening access to markets, easing travel and reinforcing ethics standards.
UN Tourism organized a side event to the 68th CAF Meeting. Workshop on AI and Innovation Local officials are able to shape Tourism and Creative Industries. The discussions focused on putting AI and innovation at the forefront of the tourism development in Africa as well supporting education and entrepreneurial skill for growth, and the importance of public/private partnerships.
UN Tourism
UN Tourism is an agency of the United Nations that promotes responsible tourism, which is sustainable and accessible to all. UN Tourism is an intergovernmental organization with 160 member states, 6 associate members, 2 observers, and more than 500 affiliate members. The General Assembly, the Organization’s supreme organ, is composed of 160 Member States. The Executive Council, in consultation and coordination with the Secretary General, takes all necessary measures to implement the decisions and suggestions of the General Assembly. It also reports the Assembly. UN Tourism is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Elections for the Secretary General will take place on May 20, 2025.
