Tourism Development in Africa Takes Center Stage at Global Forum in Brussels With Angola, Mozambique, and Egypt pushing for more cooperation, Here’s All You need to know

Published on October 25, 2025

In a significant panel discussion at the 2025 Global Tourism Forum held in Brussels, tourism leaders from Angola, Mozambique, and Egypt focused on strategies to enhance Africa’s tourism sector and stimulate economic growth. The session, titled “Africa Ascending: Tourism for Infrastructure, Youth Employment, and Investment Attraction,” brought together prominent tourism officials to discuss the continent’s immense potential for tourism-driven development. This gathering highlighted the need for cooperation between African nations to strengthen the tourism infrastructure and create sustainable employment opportunities for the region’s growing youth population.

The Need for Regional Cooperation to Boost Africa’s Tourism Sector

A common theme emerged during the panel discussion—African nations must move beyond competition and embrace cooperation in tourism development. Tourism leaders from Angola, Mozambique, and Egypt underscored the importance of working together to create a unified approach that maximizes Africa’s tourism potential. They highlighted the necessity of liberalizing air travel across the continent by adopting “open skies” agreements, which would allow easier movement between countries. These measures are expected to increase tourist arrivals and stimulate intra-Africa tourism, similar to the free travel arrangements that exist within Europe’s Schengen Area.

Tourism experts have pointed out that creating a seamless and efficient travel experience will enhance Africa’s appeal to international visitors and foster stronger regional economic ties. It is hoped that such initiatives will lead to improved connectivity between African countries, allowing for more economic exchanges and cultural exchanges that benefit local economies.

Major Investments in Infrastructure: A Step Toward Transforming African Tourism

Angola is making significant strides in transforming its tourism sector through major infrastructure investments. The country’s ambitious $3 billion investment plan aims to build state-of-the-art facilities to cater to the growing demand from international visitors. Key projects in Angola include the completion of the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, a convention center in Luanda, and the Lobito Corridor, a vital railway link connecting Angola’s Lobito port with the mining regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

These developments are expected to increase regional integration, improve access to Angola’s tourist attractions, and attract foreign investment. Angola’s tourism minister has highlighted that such projects will not only boost the local tourism industry but will also promote the growth of other sectors such as trade, transport, and hospitality, creating jobs and strengthening the economy

Mozambique’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Practices

Mozambique is focused on promoting sustainable tourism practices that balance environmental conservation with economic development. The country was recently awarded the title of the Best Sustainable Tourism Destination at the 2025 World Tourism Awards in Brussels, recognizing its dedication to responsible tourism. Mozambique has emphasized the importance of using natural resources wisely to protect the environment while ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism.

Mozambique’s tourism leaders have also called for partnerships with the private sector to generate jobs, particularly for the nation’s youth. The government is working to ensure that economic growth from tourism is inclusive, creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs and helping to develop rural areas.

Youth Employment and Skills Development: Key Pillars of Africa’s Tourism Future

With a large proportion of Africa’s population under the age of 25, tourism has been identified as a crucial sector for job creation. The panel discussion highlighted the importance of providing young people with the necessary skills to work in the tourism industry. Various African nations are now focusing on offering education programs that blend academic learning with hands-on experience, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills needed for the job market.

In Egypt, for example, dual education programs that combine academic studies with internships in tourism and hospitality are helping young people transition into the workforce. These programs aim to give students the opportunity to learn while gaining valuable industry experience. Such initiatives are seen as essential to developing a workforce that can meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the tourism sector.

Angola has also introduced incentives for businesses in the hospitality industry to provide training opportunities for local students, helping them gain skills and experience. Through these programs, Angola hopes to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt by local communities and that young people are able to secure stable jobs.

Attracting Sustainable Investment in African Tourism

The panel also addressed the need to create favorable conditions for sustainable investment in Africa’s tourism sector. Investment in infrastructure and human capital is crucial for the long-term success of the sector. To achieve this, African countries must ensure that their policies and regulations are conducive to attracting foreign investment while also reinvesting profits locally to support growth and job creation.

In Mozambique, the government is actively promoting sustainable tourism practices and working with international partners to attract investors who share the country’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Similarly, Egypt has been investing in expanding its tourism offerings, including cultural heritage sites, desert adventures, and eco-tourism, to appeal to a wider range of international visitors.

By prioritizing both sustainable practices and infrastructure development, African nations are laying the foundation for a thriving and resilient tourism industry that can compete globally.

A Collaborative Future for African Tourism

The discussions at the 2025 Global Tourism Forum mark a turning point in Africa’s approach to tourism. Leaders from Angola, Mozambique, and Egypt have outlined clear strategies for strengthening the continent’s tourism sector, focusing on infrastructure, sustainable development, and youth employment. These efforts, combined with increased cooperation and investment, are expected to help African countries become a leading global destination, offering diverse experiences while driving economic growth and job creation for future generations.

As African nations continue to work together, the potential for tourism to become a major engine of economic development across the continent has never been more promising.