Abuja: An expert in the tourism sector says that tourism is a frontier capable of lifting Africa from dependency on shared prosperity. Chuks Akamadu, Managing Director of Afrocultour Limited, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Akamadu emphasized the need to view tourism as more than just leisure, positioning it as a critical economic frontier. He highlighted that many African countries have yet to recognize tourism as a key driver for economic diversification and growth. Despite Africa’s abundant natural and cultural heritage, he noted that the continent contributes less than 3 percent to global trade.
To address this, Akamadu revealed plans for ‘The Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE) 2025.’ The expo aims to showcase Africa’s rich heritage and resources, complement public sector initiatives, and integrate culture and tourism into African economies. Africultour Limited, with support from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, will host the event in Nigeria.
The expo is expected to draw policymakers, investors, cultural stakeholders, and creative professionals from across the continent and beyond. A significant feature of the event will be the launch of ‘Agenda 2030,’ which aspires to increase Africa’s share of global trade to 10 percent by 2030 and global tourism revenue to 20 percent from the current five percent.
Akamadu, a property lawyer and author, further explained that the event would advocate for increased budgetary allocations to the tourism and creative sectors. It will also encourage peer reviews among African nations and highlight investment opportunities to attract both local and foreign capital. He cited Africa’s rich but underutilized tourist sites, such as Nigeria’s Osun Sacred Grove, Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, and Kenya’s Masai Mara, as untapped economic giants.
He expressed concern over Africa’s paradox of being richly endowed yet remaining the poorest continent. Akamadu called for a review of outdated national policies, including the 1988 National Cultural Policy and the 2005 Tourism Development Master Plan. He expressed optimism about the Federal Government’s ongoing policy review under Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
Akamadu urged Nigeria and other African countries to emulate global leaders like the UAE, Mauritius, and South Africa in investing in culture and tourism. He emphasized the importance of policy consistency to unlock tourism’s potential as a major foreign exchange earner, asserting that tourism benefits local economies significantly, from tour guides to street vendors.
In conclusion, Akamadu stressed the need for Africa to capitalize on its cultural and economic wealth, stating, “We cannot keep living amid abundance yet continue to be hungry. AFTCREE 2025 is about reclaiming our wealth, culturally and economically.”
