The Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM), West Africa’s only international travel and tourism fair, has extended its reach beyond the subregion by exhibiting for the first time outside West Africa at the 2025 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi.
This marks a milestone in the 21-year history of the Lagos-based travel expo, which has gained continental recognition for promoting intra-African tourism and connectivity.
Akwaaba, which also organizes Accra Weizo in Ghana, joined ASKY Airlines as the only West African exhibitors at the prestigious East African event.
Represented by Deborah Olukayode and Chinazam Ikechi-Uko, the Akwaaba team showcased Nigeria’s cultural vibrancy with Afrobeats, Jollof rice tastings, and what they described as “Lagos vibes and energy.”
Olukayode said their participation at MKTE underscored Akwaaba’s mission to connect Africa through tourism, noting the warm reception and strong interest from visitors across the continent.
Founder of Akwaaba, Mr. Ikechi Uko, has over the years positioned the platform as a pan-African marketplace where “Africa meets the world.”
Since its inception in 2004, Akwaaba has hosted major events including the Africa Travel 100 Awards, the Jollof Rice War, the Medical Tourism Expo, the African Youth Bantaba, and the Air Cargo Chinet Aviacargo Conference. Its most recent edition drew 16 African airlines, the highest in its history.
The next Akwaaba African Travel Market is scheduled for September 13–16, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.
