Nigeria hosts 68th united Nations Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) 2025. The high-level event brings together representatives from 51 member states under the theme: “Boosting Social Impact and Education in Tourism via Innovation, AI, and Creative Industries in Africa.”
In her welcome address, the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, remarked that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizes sectoral transformation through people-centric economic development.
“The 21st century demands that we build economies not just from the ground up but on the foundation of people-powered prosperity—driven by tourism, culture, the creative economy, and the arts.” Africa stands at the forefront of change, the Minister stated.
Barr. Musawa reiterated that the conference theme reflects Africa’s critical need to leverage technology for empowerment, especially through education and innovation.
“The world is increasingly drawn to Nigeria not for its oil, but for its people—our talents, our stories, and our rich cultural identity. It is up to us to tell our own stories; no one else can define us better than we can,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory and Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, called on stakeholders to adopt bold, forward-thinking strategies.
“Africa is not just participating in the digital future of tourism; we are shaping it,” she said. “This conference resonates with my lifelong advocacy for gender inclusion. Women and girls are central to tourism and the creative industries—as artists, entrepreneurs, educators, curators, and digital innovators. Yet, they often remain underrepresented. As we champion AI and innovation, we must also champion intentional support for women through education, financing, and platforms that amplify their voices.”
Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, applauded Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to transform its tourism sector under the Tinubu administration. He emphasized that such reforms could have a significant ripple effect across the continent.
He also called on African leaders to improve regional connectivity by re-evaluating visa regimes to facilitate easier movement of tourists within and beyond Africa.
Delivering the President’s address on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Shettima, underscored the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to drive sustainable tourism on the continent.
“Nigeria encourages African nations to adopt policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and the preservation of our shared cultural heritage,” he said. “This includes joint marketing campaigns, capacity building, infrastructure development, and the exchange of best practices. Through coordinated regional initiatives with partners such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and UN Tourism, we can foster a continent-wide movement that delivers sustainable prosperity for Africa and its people.”
CAF 2025 marks a critical moment in shaping the future of tourism in Africa—by highlighting the centrality of innovation, cultural identity, and inclusive development.
Signed
Chindaya Ahmadu
Director, Information and Public Relations
17/06/ 2025.
