TOURISM MINISTERS, SENIOR OFFICIALS AND INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHEN HUMAN CAPITAL TO BOAST AFRICA'S TOURISM GROWTH

In a significant bid to position tourism as a driver of economic growth, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Masa Musawa, joined other Tourism Ministers, Senior Officials and Industry Stakeholders at the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (CAF), to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen human capital so as to boost Africa's tourism growth and to chart a way forward.

The Meeting held recently in Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles, hosted by the Government of Seychelles in collaboration with UN Tourism and is being held alongside a Thematic Conference on “Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth,” focused on building a skilled, competitive tourism workforce across the continent.

This marked the first CAF meeting convened under new UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais, who assumed office in January 2026. 

In the absence of Zambia, the Chair of the Commission, Nigeria as the 1st Vice-Chair presided over the proceedings in this instance, continuing a procedural precedent set at the 68th meeting in Abuja, where the Vice-Chair stepped in to lead the session 

The gathering brought together tourism ministers, senior officials, and industry stakeholders from across Africa who are to advance the region’s shared tourism agenda, with discussions centered on capacity-building, connectivity, visa, digital infrastructure and positioning tourism as a driver of inclusive economic growth. 

The meeting was also built on momentum from the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking Seychelles’ 50th anniversary of independence, held just days earlier.

Amadi Uloma Nneka, anipr 

Head Press and Public Relations 

July 8, 2026

Tags: un UNWTO