Policymakers have been advised to integrate technology into Africa’s tourism industry to drive growth, efficiency, and global competitiveness. This was the key message at the 5th edition of the Tourism and Technology Summit Africa, held on December 12, 2024, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. 

Themed “Bridging Borders, Breaking Barriers: Transforming Tourism in Africa Through Technology,” the summit brought together tourism stakeholders, technology experts, and policymakers to explore how digital innovations can reshape Africa’s tourism landscape.

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Technology as a catalyst for tourism

Founder of My Beautiful Africa, Clara Chinwe Okoro, emphasised the importance of integrating technology into tourism processes to streamline operations and attract global visitors. She noted that tourism remains a political issue and urged policymakers to protect their national interests to ensure sustainable development in the sector.

The summit also highlighted gaps in policy frameworks that hinder the growth of Africa’s tourism industry. SaintGerman Onwukeme, CEO of Cyberton Ads, stressed the need for customer-friendly policies that encourage innovation and enhance traveler experiences. He emphasised that addressing these challenges is crucial for boosting the sector’s competitiveness and accessibility.

Innovations for seamless travel

One of the event’s key highlights was the introduction of the Seamless Visa application, a solution designed to simplify cross-border travel processes within Africa. Amb. Cornelius Udofia, Special Adviser on Media to the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, showcased the innovation as a game-changer for intra-African tourism, removing barriers that have historically discouraged travel across the continent.

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The summit featured a series of panel discussions and showcases that explored emerging technologies, including digital platforms, smart tourism solutions, and improved connectivity infrastructure. Stakeholders discussed how these tools could address existing challenges, such as travel logistics, accessibility, and infrastructure gaps.

By fostering collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and technology innovators, the summit underscored the need for a unified approach to transforming Africa’s tourism sector.

The Tourism and Technology Summit Africa 2024 successfully provided a platform for stakeholders to identify actionable strategies for growth. As Africa embraces digital transformation, the summit reinforced the critical role of technology and policies in bridging borders, breaking barriers, and positioning the continent as a global tourism leader.