Akwaaba 2026: Experts Call for Reforms to Boost Tourism

At the 22nd edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, experts discussed strategies to unlock Africa's $80 billion travel market. Aliyu Badaki, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), stated that the region's tourism issues stem from a lack of coordinated planning and outdated frameworks.

He called for public policy interventions, dedicated funding, and collaboration between government and private sectors. Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, highlighted the importance of data accuracy and technological integration in tourism governance.

She mentioned national digital initiatives aimed at consolidating travel information, which would provide insights into traveler behavior and market opportunities. The event underscored the necessity of addressing structural deficiencies in tourism growth across West Africa and fostering deeper intra-African travel ties.