Aviation and Tourism Synergy Key to West Africa's Growth

During the AeroWest Summit 2026 in Lagos, stakeholders discussed the crucial partnership between the aviation and tourism sectors in West Africa. Fatima Mida Carew, General Manager of the National Tourist Board of Sierra Leone, stated, “Without aviation, there is no tourism.

At the same time, without tourism, there is no aviation.” Nnamdi Udoh, former CEO of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), underscored aviation's role as a gateway for tourism, emphasizing the need for seamless travel experiences. Despite the region's proximity, travel remains slow and costly due to high airfares and fragmented routes.

Carew shared her experience of a 12-hour journey from Freetown to Lagos, which should take two hours, highlighting the need for better connectivity. Udoh proposed policy reforms, such as visa on arrival, to stimulate growth, citing Dubai's successful stopover visa programs.

Michael Wolf, an experiential design leader, pointed out the potential of Africa's cultural assets in enhancing tourism experiences.