UAE-Africa Tourism Summit Forges $6 Billion Investment Framework for Sustainable Growth

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, bringing together over 350 leaders from the UAE and 53 African nations. The summit, held under the theme 'Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth' as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS World 2025) and in collaboration with The Bench, focused on developing tourism and investment collaboration between the regions. His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, emphasized that tourism serves as a bridge connecting peoples and cultures while driving investment and economic growth.

The summit featured panel sessions and presentations exploring the future of African tourism and methods to strengthen economic integration through quality partnerships in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, project financing, and innovation. Her Excellency Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, UN Tourism Secretary-General elect for 2026–2029, delivered a presentation titled 'The Future of African Tourism' outlining a comprehensive development vision for advancing Africa's tourism sector. The high-level ministerial roundtable meeting included participation from more than 20 African nations and produced a joint ministerial statement establishing new investment mapping to enhance collaboration in tourism, aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation.

The investment mapping projects submitted by participating countries represent approximately $6 billion in required investment and are projected to generate 70,000 direct and indirect jobs collectively. The joint statement identifies five priority areas for strengthening UAE-Africa cooperation: tourism, investment and infrastructure, aviation and connectivity, sustainability, and SME-financing and innovation. This framework represents a significant step toward sustainable tourism development across Africa while creating substantial economic opportunities and employment prospects. The summit's outcomes demonstrate the growing importance of cross-continental partnerships in driving tourism growth and economic diversification, positioning tourism as a key driver for regional development and international cooperation.