UAE and Africa Boost Tourism and Investment Cooperation

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism in Dubai hosted the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World). The event gathered global leaders, ministers, and investors to discuss Africa’s growing tourism potential and strengthen investment ties between the UAE and African nations. The summit served as a major platform for collaboration in tourism, hospitality, and sustainable development.

The summit’s sessions focused on enhancing economic integration between the UAE and African countries. Experts discussed innovative models in tourism infrastructure, financing, and hospitality. The gathering also explored the importance of public-private partnerships and the role of sustainable tourism in driving long-term economic growth across Africa.

Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, delivered a special presentation titled “The Future of African Tourism.”She outlined a strategic vision based on four main pillars — improving transportation connectivity, empowering local communities, investing in tourism-related sectors, and promoting Africa’s cultural and natural heritage. Her speech highlighted how these elements could create a transformative roadmap for Africa’s tourism industry.

Shaikha Al Nowais emphasized the importance of youth and women empowerment in the tourism sector. She explained that Africa’s future growth depends on investing in digital innovation, local skill-building, and the integration of cultural identity in tourism projects. She called for stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector to turn strategic goals into measurable outcomes.

The first panel discussion, titled “The African Growth Story: Tourism Driving Growth and Capital,” addressed how tourism can be a catalyst for economic transformation in Africa. Participants discussed improving air connectivity between African countries and expanding GCC-African aviation partnerships.
Speakers like Patricia de Lille (South African Minister of Tourism) and Hannatu Musa Musawa (Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy of Nigeria) stressed that tourism infrastructure development can create jobs, boost cultural industries, and drive inclusive growth.

The second session, “Capital Meets Culture: Financing Africa’s Tourism Transformation,” focused on the role of investment and innovation in developing tourism destinations. Business leaders discussed how long-term investments in hotel infrastructure, eco-tourism, and entertainment can transform Africa into a leading global destination. Panelists including Uzoamaka Oshogwe (CEO, Transcorp Hotels) and Liam Findlay (CEO, Miral Destinations, Abu Dhabi) highlighted how integrating digital technologies can improve the visitor experience and support eco-friendly initiatives.

A third session, “Private Sector Leading the Way,” explored how private investors and operators are shaping Africa’s tourism landscape. Industry leaders such as Duncan O’Rourke (Accor Hotels) and Khalid Anib (Abu Dhabi National Hotels) discussed strategies to improve vocational training and upskilling for hospitality professionals. They noted that strong transport, energy, and digital infrastructure is essential to build a world-class tourism experience from arrival to departure.

The closing ministerial panel, “Scaling Stories: How African Nations Are Redefining Tourism for Growth,” featured ministers from Senegal, Kenya, Cabo Verde, and Côte d’Ivoire. They shared future strategies to diversify visitor experiences and open new destinations for investment.
The ministers stressed that Africa’s flexible policies, regional cooperation, and investment incentives are key to making the continent a competitive global tourism hub.

Panelists concluded that Africa needs to reintroduce itself as a strong tourism brand through global digital campaigns. They also called for improving data collection and analytics to better measure tourism’s impact on local economies. By focusing on sustainability, community engagement, and smart investment, Africa aims to create a resilient and thriving tourism ecosystem in partnership with the UAE.

The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 showcased Dubai’s role as a global connector for tourism and innovation. Through shared goals of sustainability, investment, and partnership, the event underlined how the UAE and African nations can collaborate to drive inclusive growth, empower local communities, and redefine the future of tourism worldwide.