With more than 500 million people, over 50 airports and about 20 airlines serving West Africa, the region holds enormous potential for stronger tourism and aviation links with East Africa, according to the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko.
Speaking at a Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) event in Kenya, Uko drew attention to the significant growth in air connectivity between the two regions but low tourism arrivals, despite their huge population and travel markets.
Uko noted that Nigeria, with more than 200 million people, records about 20 million air passengers annually, including an estimated five million international travellers, making it a particularly important market for East African airlines, destinations and tourism businesses seeking to expand their reach.
“More than 500 million people. Over 50 Airports and 20 Airlines but only ASKY from Lome, Togo is from West Africa. It flies to Nairobi Kenya. Nigeria, with over 200 million people, is the biggest country in West Africa.”
West Africa and Nigeria are connected to East Africa by East African Airlines, namely Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Rwandair, Uganda Airlines, and of recent Air Tanzania.
READ: Africa: Enugu’s Tourism, Aviation Model Can Drive Nigeria’s Economic Transformation, Says Ikechi Uko
There are about 20 million air passengers in Nigeria, and 5 million are said to be international travellers.
Current research shows that the number is made up of 2 million people who travel frequently. Research shows that there are between 300,000 to 500,000 international travellers out of Ghana, Kenya Airways does about 10 flights a week out of Nigeria. Ethiopian Airlines does 35 flights a week out of Nigeria, and by the 1st of November 2026, they would be doing 3 flights a day out of Lagos. 21 flights a week out of Lagos. Ethiopian Airlines is currently doing double daily out of Accra City.
Football and West Africa
Every African Nations Cup played in the last 10 years has been dominated by West Africa and North Africa. More West African nations have won AFCON than any other region. Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and Cote D’lvoire have been winners. There are usually more West African Qualifiers and more Quarter Finalists from West Africa than other regions.
PAMOJA AFCON and Kenya
Morocco reported the arrival of 600000 unique visitors in one month for the last AFCON, even with only two African airlines connecting West Africa to Morocco. Let us imagine how many West Africans will come for the PAMOJA AFCON.
The opportunity is there.
About 6 to 7 West African qualifiers, Visa on Arrival for West Africans, 6 African Airlines with over 100 weekly flights into West Africa and over a million People willing and able to travel and enjoy the beauty that Kenya offers. The hotels are there, the people are friendly, and the opportunity exists to double your businesses in one month.
Kenya business environment
Recently, Nigerian businesses have found Kenya a viable place to invest. It might have started when over 80 private jets accompanied President Jonathan to Kenya many years ago. Now, there are 240 private jets in Nigeria. Today, West African banks are investing in Kenya , Ecobank, UBA, Access Bank, and Zenith Bank. Dangote is building a big refinery in Kenya. More Nigerians are buying real estate in Kenya.
After buying up lots of properties in Dubai, Nigerian rich men are discovering Kenya.
I am here today to open the Nigerian and West African plug to you.
Akwaaba African Travel Market
is the only international travel and tourism expo in West Africa.
It is 22 years old and offers the key to the travel industry in West Africa.
Coming up from the 13th to the 15th of September in Lagos Nigeria, it is your key to lock down your West African contacts now.
Anyone who is anyone in Travel Tourism in West Africa will be in Lagos, Nigeria. Would you be there?
Come to Lagos and Connect.
Come to the home of Afrobeats and eat some Suya and Jollof Rice, then party till sunrise.
See you in Lagos on the 14th at the special panel on PAMOJA AFCON and Tourism.
Asante
