President Bola Tinubu has called on African countries to implement policies that foster environmentally friendly tourism and safeguard cultural heritage across the continent.
Speaking through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the opening of the 68th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja on Wednesday, the President emphasised the need for pragmatic solutions and strategic partnerships to drive investment in tourism infrastructure and enhance the sector’s contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa.
President @officialABAT has called on African countries to adopt policies that promote eco-friendly tourism and preserve cultural heritage across the continent.
Specifically, he sought practical solutions and alliances that would boost investment in tourism infrastructure and… pic.twitter.com/bzgIqNrBa4
— Senator Kashim Shettima (@officialSKSM) June 11, 2025
He underscored the importance of positioning Africa at the centre of global discussions on unlocking tourism’s full potential to boost economic development.
President Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices, noting that such practices should reflect the continent’s distinct challenges and aspirations.
“Through collaboration with regional bodies such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and UN Tourism, Nigeria encourages other African countries to adopt eco-friendly tourism policies and preserve their cultural legacies,” he said.
“This cooperation involves sharing best practices, providing training, developing joint marketing campaigns for sustainable tourism, and upgrading infrastructure to enhance intra-African travel.
“With these regional efforts, Africa can spearhead a continent-wide movement towards tourism that benefits both people and the environment, thereby driving long-term prosperity.”
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President Tinubu noted that tourism transcends mere travel or visits to historic landmarks, natural wonders, and parks. It is, he said, “a key driver of local economies, a catalyst for social cohesion, and a bridge between cultures.”
He further remarked that technological advancements and creativity have revolutionised the tourism landscape, making it fitting for the conference to explore the influence of artificial intelligence, innovation, and the creative industries on the sector.
Highlighting the impact of Nigeria’s creative industries, Tinubu said that music, film, fashion, literature, and digital arts have all become significant contributors to national GDP, job creation, and economic diversification.
“Nollywood, for instance, ranks among the world’s largest film industries, generating considerable revenue both domestically and internationally.
“In the same vein, Nigeria’s music and fashion scenes have boosted the nation’s global cultural footprint, while also creating employment and income opportunities.”
As Africa charts a new course for tourism, Tinubu stressed the need for public-private partnerships, noting that the complexity and potential of the sector require collaborative efforts.
He urged participants to prioritise practical strategies and collective approaches that would enhance intra-African travel, attract investment, and empower local communities.
The President also encouraged delegates to ensure that tourism plays a central role in the continent’s pursuit of the SDGs and to place African tourism at the heart of global discourse.
In her address, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, called on African nations to harness innovation, artificial intelligence, and the creative industries to unlock Africa’s vast tourism potential.
“I believe in President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria, and I pray the same progress for all African countries. Let us rise together,” she said.
Musawa described the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s transformation, adding that Africa must now build people-driven economies through tourism, culture, the creative sector, and the arts.
UN Tourism Secretary-General, Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili, commended President Tinubu’s administration for advancing the transformation of Nigeria’s tourism sector.
He emphasised that tourism represents the future of Africa, citing the continent’s immense potential and boundless opportunities for innovation and growth.
Pololikashvili urged African leaders to improve regional connectivity and ease the movement of tourists by revising visa policies and removing barriers to intra-African travel.
Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory, encouraged stakeholders to think ambitiously and recognise Africa’s growing role in shaping the digital future of tourism.
“Today’s gathering is a platform to highlight home-grown innovations that draw visitors from grassroots communities to the global stage,” she said.
“Let us exchange best practices, forge cross-border partnerships, and develop actionable strategies that place communities particularly women and youth at the centre of our development agenda.”
