Nigeria on Global Tourism Stage as Minister Musawa Inaugurates Committee for CAF Africa 2025 Hosting
Abuja-
As Africa’s tourism leaders gear up for the 68th Meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) now UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF), Nigeria is positioning itself at the forefront of this continental gathering. The Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, yesterday in Abuja presided over the inauguration of the Local Planning Committee tasked with orchestrating landmark event, scheduled to take place next year in Nigeria.
About CAF Africa
The Commission for Africa Meeting is held every year as part of UN Tourism statutory event and it serves as the principal forum for tourism development across the continent. The annual gathering brings together tourism ministers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to strategize and collaborate on advancing tourism’s role in sustainable development and economic transformation. For Nigeria, hosting this event represents a golden opportunity to cement its position as a top-tier tourism destination within Africa and on the global stage.
Attendees will include UN Tourism Member States, Affiliate Members, tourism experts, funding institutions, public and private sectors among others.
Hon. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy inaugurating the Local Planning Committee for CAF Africa 2025 in Abuja
In her remarks at the inauguration, Minister Musawa highlighted the strategic importance of the CAF meeting, describing it as a springboard for showcasing Nigeria’s immense cultural wealth, natural beauty, and creative industries. “This event is a platform for Nigeria to tell its story, not only as a country with rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions but also as a nation with a bold vision for the future of tourism,” she remarked.
The Committee
The Main Planning Committee includes representatives from key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), security organizations, and the private sector. Among them is the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), led by its President, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, who pledged unwavering private-sector support for the initiative. “This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to collaborate and elevate Nigeria’s profile as a tourism powerhouse,” Onung stated.
Minister Musawa assured the committee of her Ministry’s full backing to ensure the seamless execution of the event. She urged the team to leverage the opportunity to present a compelling narrative about Nigeria’s transformation into a global tourism hub. “This is more than just an event; it is a statement about Nigeria’s resilience, potential, and future as a destination for travelers from across the globe,” she emphasized.
Hosting CAF Africa 2025 by Nigeria
Hosting CAF Africa 2025 aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of economic diversification and cultural promotion. As the nation prepares to welcome delegates from over 50 African countries and beyond, the event promises to amplify Nigeria’s voice within the international tourism community, foster cross-border partnerships, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the sector that will benefit the stakeholders locally across tourism value-chain.
Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) also speaking as the head of the private sector stakeholders in N8geria at the inauguration in Abuja
This marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s tourism and creative industries to demonstrate their capacity to drive socio-economic development and elevate the country’s standing in the global tourism arena.
You will recall that Zambia hosted the 67th edition and 2nd Brand Africa Confab in July this year on the theme” Promoting Africa to Unlock Investments and the Sector’s Growth Potential” where Nigeria was announced as the host country for 2025.
Credit: FTAN Secretariat-Precious Okonji.
