Enhanced Cooperation Key to Unlocking Africa's Growth, Say Experts at UN Tourism and ICAO Ministerial Summit

The second UN Tourism and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa concluded with a unified call to enhance partnerships and collaboration to unlock the region's growth. The conference, held in Luanda, Angola, brought together over 300 international delegates to discuss the alignment between Africa's fastest-growing sectors: tourism and air transport.

Key Takeaways:

• The conference emphasized the importance of modernizing tourism and aviation infrastructure with support from both public and private investment.
• Partnerships with key institutions, including ICAO, UN Tourism, IATA, AFRAA, AFCAC, and others, were pledged to deepen.
• Africa's tourism growth showed significant momentum, with 74 million international arrivals in 2024, a 7% increase over 2019 and 12% more than in 2023.
• The Luanda Ministerial Statement was adopted, affirming Africa's collective commitment to developing a seamless, sustainable, and integrated travel ecosystem.
• Delegates agreed that aligning aviation and tourism policies is vital to unlocking the continent's potential, particularly through open skies agreements, cohesive infrastructure planning, and public-private investment.

Statistics:

• 74 million international arrivals in Africa in 2024 (7% increase over 2019 and 12% more than in 2023)
• Over 300 international delegates attended the Luanda Conference
• 2-day ministerial sessions focused on aligning policy frameworks, driving innovation for inclusive growth, ensuring equitable access to travel, and building resilient transport and tourism systems

Sources:

• M2 PressWIRE-August 1, 2025-
• United Nations (UN) Tourism/ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Ministerial Summit
• World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)