WTO DG, Okonjo-Iweala, Backs  African Tourism and Creative Economy Expo

The World Trade Organisation Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed support for the Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE) scheduled for November in Abuja. In a letter dated July 24, 2025, Okonjo-Iweala commended the event's theme of "Optimising Africa's Comparative Competitive Advantage for Accelerated Trade and Economic Growth" as timely and relevant.

The expo aims to address the disparity in global trade where Africa only contributes less than three percent to tourism and creative industries. With African countries possessing unique tourism resources and a growing creative industry, the event seeks to showcase the continent's potential.

Organisers hope the expo will encourage policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and scholars to collaborate in harnessing Africa's abundant tourism and creative resources for sustainable economic growth. Nigeria, as the host country, is expected to play a leading role in the event, which will feature policy dialogues, business forums, and gala nights.