The Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM), West Africa’s only international travel and tourism expo, has extended its reach beyond the region for the first time in its 21-year history, exhibiting at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi.
Akwaaba joined ASKY Airlines as one of the only West African exhibitors at MKTE 2025, marking a strategic milestone in its mission to connect Africa’s tourism markets under the banner, “Where Africa Meets the World.”
Although Akwaaba has participated in major global travel fairs in London, Berlin, Dubai, Durban, Arusha, Bulawayo, Kampala, Addis Ababa, and several other cities, this appearance was its first as an exhibitor outside West Africa.
Representing Akwaaba at the expo, Deborah Olukayode said the experience reinforced the event’s continental vision:
“As a West African and Nigerian brand, we were shown a lot of love and given great attention by visitors to our stand. Our vision to connect Africa and Africans was reinforced at MKTE.”
Chinazam Ikech-Uko, who also worked at the stand, added:
“We were proud to represent Nigeria and West Africa. We brought our Jollof Rice game, blasted Afrobeats for three days, and gave them some Lagos vibes and energy.”
Founded in 2004 by travel promoter Ikechi Uko, Akwaaba African Travel Market is an annual event held in Lagos, Nigeria. The next edition is scheduled for September 13–16, 2026.
Akwaaba is renowned for signature programmes such as the Africa Travel 100 Awards, the Jollof Rice War, the Medical Tourism Expo, the African Youth Bantaba, the African Tourism Conference, and the Air Cargo CHINET Aviacargo Conference. Its most recent edition attracted record participation from African airlines, with 16 carriers in attendance.
By Chioma Ezike,
SOURCE: techtour.com.ng
