The Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM) has reached a new milestone in its 21-year history, exhibiting for the first time outside West Africa at the 2025 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi. The move marks a defining moment in the Lagos-based event’s evolution from a regional showcase into a truly pan-African tourism platform.
Since its inception, Akwaaba has earned recognition as West Africa’s only international travel and tourism fair, serving as a hub for airlines, hoteliers, tourism boards, and government representatives to connect and promote Africa’s diverse travel offerings. Its expansion into East Africa signifies a bold step toward continental integration, fostering deeper collaboration and opening new commercial pathways across Sub-Saharan Africa’s growing tourism economy.
At the Nairobi expo, Akwaaba stood out as one of only two West African exhibitors—alongside ASKY Airlines—demonstrating the region’s growing engagement in the broader African tourism conversation. The Akwaaba team, represented by Deborah Olukayode and Chinazam Ikechi-Uko, infused the event with the vibrant spirit of Nigeria, drawing visitors with Afrobeats rhythms, Jollof rice tastings, and the unmistakable “Lagos energy.” This cultural showcase not only attracted attention but also underscored West Africa’s creative influence within Africa’s travel scene.
Olukayode described Akwaaba’s participation at MKTE as a “natural progression” of its long-standing mission to connect Africa through tourism. The enthusiastic response from participants across the continent, she noted, reflected a shared desire for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and regional integration—values that have always guided Akwaaba’s operations.
Founded by Mr. Ikechi Uko, Akwaaba has grown into a dynamic platform where “Africa meets the world.” Over the years, it has hosted several signature events that have shaped the narrative of African tourism, including:
- The Africa Travel 100 Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation in the industry;
- The Jollof Rice War, a lively culinary contest showcasing West Africa’s food heritage;
- The Medical Tourism Expo, highlighting the continent’s emerging health travel sector;
- The African Youth Bantaba, amplifying young voices in tourism; and
- The Air Cargo Chinet Aviacargo Conference, which explores the vital link between air freight and African trade.
The most recent edition of Akwaaba attracted a record 16 African airlines, the highest in its history—signalling a renewed focus on air connectivity as a driver of intra-African tourism and trade. This milestone reinforces Akwaaba’s reputation as a catalyst for industry growth, providing fertile ground for partnerships between airlines, airports, and tourism stakeholders.
Looking ahead, the next Akwaaba African Travel Market is slated for September 13–16, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. Organisers say the event will build on the momentum generated by its Nairobi debut, offering expanded opportunities for networking, investment, and cross-border collaboration.
Beyond its symbolic value, Akwaaba’s participation at MKTE reflects a larger movement toward African tourism integration—a drive to break down regional silos, align markets, and amplify Africa’s collective voice on the global stage. As countries continue to invest in infrastructure, develop new travel products, and embrace digital innovation, the prospects for intra-African travel are poised to grow exponentially.
For tourism professionals across the continent, Akwaaba’s journey offers a model of resilience, adaptability, and vision. By championing African creativity and authenticity, it has become more than an event—it is a platform for shared identity and progress.
As the continent’s tourism landscape evolves, Akwaaba’s expansion beyond West Africa serves as both a milestone and a message: Africa’s future in tourism lies in collaboration, cultural pride, and a unified commitment to showcasing the best of the continent to itself—and to the world.
SOURCE: : brandiconimage.com
