Africa’s Tourism Future: Diplomats and Creatives Now Push for Easier Travel and Cultural Exchange

Published on December 6, 2025

The first Heirs Insurance Travel Festival was held in Lagos, Nigeria, which set the stage to awaken a different travel culture among Africans. During this groundbreaking event, diplomats, travel enthusiasts, business owners, creatives, and young Nigerians converged to discuss pressing issues in the travel industry, focusing on inclusivity, cultural diversity, and equitable travel policies. By addressing travel barriers, the festival emphasized the need for collaborative efforts toward making travel inclusive, thereby opening up several opportunities for everyone across the continent.

Inclusive Travel: A Call for Collaborative Efforts

At the heart of the event was a powerful call for the creation of a more inclusive and accessible travel landscape. Tony Elumelu, a prominent business leader and the founder of Heirs Insurance, highlighted the crucial role that insurance plays in making travel safer and more accessible. According to Elumelu, insurance is key in mitigating risks, offering peace of mind, and enabling travel that promotes economic growth, cultural understanding, and regional connectivity across Africa.

Elumelu emphasized that inclusive travel is not just about the movement of people; it is about facilitating the movement of ideas, opportunities, and economic growth. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to simplify visa processes, improve border control systems, and create travel policies that prioritize accessibility and cultural exchange. His vision is a future where African travelers can explore the continent freely, contributing to stronger economies and deeper cultural ties.

Diplomatic Discussions on Visa Liberalization and Free Movement

The festival served as an important platform for high-level diplomatic discussions. One of the most significant sessions focused on “Passport Power and Diplomacy,” where renowned diplomats such as Ambassador Manuel Innocencio de Lacerda Santos Junior from Brazil, Ambassador Jose Bamóquina Zau from Angola, and Nigerian journalist Stephanie Busari discussed ways to simplify visa processes and create stronger travel frameworks across Africa.

The diplomats collectively agreed that visa liberalization is key to unlocking Africa’s tourism and economic potential. Ambassador Santos Junior emphasized that simplifying visa procedures would encourage more tourism and promote regional economic development. “Visa liberalization is a key factor in promoting tourism and economic development in Africa,” he said, further urging for easier travel access within the continent.

Ambassador Zau echoed these sentiments, stating that a “borderless Africa” would unleash untapped economic potential, improving the lives of millions and facilitating greater cultural exchanges. Their call aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a united and prosperous continent where people can move freely across borders.

Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Untapped and Waiting to Be Explored

One of the key points raised during the festival was Nigeria’s vast and untapped tourism potential. The country is home to diverse cultures, rich traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the majestic Waira Falls to the lively streets of Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria offers an array of travel experiences that are still largely underexplored. The diplomats and industry leaders agreed that there is an urgent need to develop the tourism sector to create jobs and boost economic growth, positioning Nigeria as a leading travel destination in Africa.

Nigerian travel creators, such as Zim Erobu, Adenike Tejuoso, and Steven Ndukwu, highlighted the barriers faced by African travelers, particularly the complex and expensive visa application processes. Zim Erobu called for embassies to refund visa fees for rejected applications, arguing that the current visa system is a significant hindrance to free travel across the continent. Ndukwu further emphasized the difficulties Nigerians face with the “Green Passport,” which often results in visa denials and travel restrictions.

Breaking Down Travel Barriers for Economic Growth

The discussions at the festival also pointed to how breaking down travel barriers could directly contribute to Africa’s economic growth. By simplifying visa requirements, strengthening border control systems, and establishing harmonized travel frameworks, African countries can foster a more connected and economically integrated continent. Travel creators, along with diplomats, stressed that facilitating movement within Africa would not only boost tourism but also promote trade, investment, and the movement of skilled labor.

Furthermore, Elumelu’s call for an inclusive travel policy highlighted the economic opportunities that could be unlocked by a more accessible and equitable travel system. The tourism sector could become a major driver of job creation and economic diversification, which is especially important for countries like Nigeria that are looking to diversify their economies away from oil dependence.

Leveraging Technology and Youth Empowerment for a New Era of Travel

The festival also served as a platform to empower African youth to engage in tourism and entrepreneurship. One of the most exciting announcements was the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s $15 million grant initiative, designed to help Nigerian youth harness the country’s tourism potential. By supporting young entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to develop new businesses and foster innovation in the tourism sector, creating sustainable livelihoods and helping young people unlock the continent’s vast potential.

Additionally, the festival showcased how technology could be leveraged to enhance travel experiences and overcome barriers. Travel content creators like Steven Ndukwu discussed how digital tools and platforms can connect travelers with resources, simplify booking processes, and provide real-time language translation to enhance the travel experience. Technology can also help travelers navigate visa applications, making it easier to explore Africa’s diverse countries.

Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage and Tourism Opportunities

During the festival, the spotlight was also placed on Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, which plays a significant role in its tourism potential. From the ancient rock formations of Jos to the stunning beaches of Lagos, Nigeria offers a wealth of unique and diverse travel experiences. These attractions, along with the country’s vibrant cultural festivals and events, make Nigeria an ideal destination for tourists seeking authentic and immersive experiences.

The call for a borderless Africa also resonates with the potential of Nigeria’s tourism sector to integrate with the broader African tourism landscape. By fostering regional collaborations, creating seamless travel policies, and promoting the continent’s cultural richness, African countries can ensure a thriving tourism industry that benefits both visitors and local communities.

A New Era for African Travel

The Heirs Insurance Travel Festival has succeeded in setting a new epoch for travel in Africa: an era where travel will be more inclusive, accessible, and connected. Breaking down the challenges that prevent people from traveling, making sure that cultural exchange is felt and utilizing the diverse tourism assets of the continent means unlocking Africa’s vast potential as a global travel destination.