Air Peace and The Gambia Highlighted at Akwaaba 2025

The 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market ran from September 14 to 16, 2025, right at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, Nigeria. This top event highlighted just how fast African travel and tourism is moving these days. Big names like Lagos State, Air Peace, The Gambia, Wakanow, and Interswitch were all there, and the buzz showed how Africa is stepping up on the global tourism stage. Visitors found great chances to network, seal deals, and share cultural riches.

A Hub for African Tourism

As West Africa’s leading international travel exhibition, Akwaaba has consistently attracted stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. The 2025 edition featured over 3,000 delegates, including representatives from tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and logistics companies. The event highlighted the growing importance of intra-African travel and the potential for increased connectivity and collaboration within the region.

Key Partnerships and Highlights

Lagos State’s involvement reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tourism and hospitality as central pillars of its economic development. The state’s support for Akwaaba aligns with its broader strategy to enhance its position as a leading tourist destination in Africa.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, played a pivotal role in facilitating regional connectivity. With an extensive network across West Africa, Air Peace’s participation underscored the airline’s dedication to enhancing travel options for African tourists and fostering economic ties between nations.

The Gambia’s presence at Akwaaba highlighted its appeal as a tourist destination, offering unique cultural and natural attractions. By engaging with industry professionals and showcasing its offerings, The Gambia aimed to attract more visitors and strengthen its position in the competitive African tourism market.

Wakanow, a prominent Nigerian travel agency, showcased its innovative travel solutions, emphasizing the role of technology in simplifying travel planning and booking processes. Interswitch, a leading digital payments company, highlighted the importance of secure and efficient payment systems in the travel industry, facilitating smoother transactions for both businesses and travelers.

Youth and Innovation at the Forefront

A notable trend at Akwaaba 2025 was the significant participation of young professionals in the tourism sector. Many exhibitors and attendees were emerging entrepreneurs and innovators, reflecting the industry’s evolving landscape. Their presence at the event signified a shift towards a more dynamic and digitally savvy tourism sector, with a focus on sustainable practices and personalized travel experiences.

Cultural Celebrations and Networking Opportunities

Beyond business discussions, Akwaaba 2025 featured cultural events that celebrated African heritage and cuisine. The Jollof Rice War, a friendly culinary competition, attracted attention and highlighted the importance of food tourism in promoting cultural exchange. Additionally, the Top 100 Hotel Awards recognized excellence in hospitality, encouraging establishments to uphold high standards and contribute to the region’s tourism appeal.

The event also provided ample opportunities for networking through B2B sessions, allowing participants to forge new partnerships and explore collaborative ventures. Country days and product launches offered platforms for destinations and businesses to present their unique offerings to a global audience.

Looking Ahead

Akwaaba 2025 reinforced the significance of collaboration and innovation in advancing Africa’s tourism sector. The event demonstrated the continent’s readiness to embrace new trends and technologies, positioning itself as a competitive player in the global tourism market. With continued support from governments, businesses, and young professionals, Africa’s tourism industry is poised for sustained growth and success in the coming years.

For travellers, Akwaaba 2025 showcased the spice and colour of everything Africa has to offer, showing off the sights, sounds, and tastes that make each corner special. The continent is working hard to upgrade roads, lodges, and guides, so every trip feels easier and sparkier than the last. With every upgrade, adventures get sweeter, cultural stories become stickier, and memories stretch longer. More than ever, Africa is ready to welcome everyone with open arms and open hearts.

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