Page 56 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Press Release

Investment opportunities in the African tourism sector

The first session, titled “The African Growth Story: Tourism Driving Growth and Capital”,
explored tourism’s role as a key driver of Africa’s economic transformation. Participants reviewed
investment opportunities in the tourism, culture and creative industries, noting that strengthening
tourism infrastructure is a key catalyst for inclusive growth, forming new value chains and creating
opportunities for growth in tourism and related sectors in Africa.

The panelists also focused on the importance of strengthening air connectivity between the African
countries and expanding GCC-African aviation partnerships, along with diversifying specialised
tourism destinations and offerings such as eco-tourism, heritage, nature, cultural and leisure
tourism. These efforts are key to maximising economic returns and reinforcing Africa’s
attractiveness as a global destination for sustainable tourism.

The participants were H.E. Patricia de Lille, South African Minister of Tourism; H.E. Hannatu
Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy of Nigeria; and Mr.
Cheick-Oumar Sylla, Division Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa, IFC.

Future of investment in tourism destinations

The second session, titled “Capital Meets Culture: Financing Africa’s Tourism Transformation,”
explored the growing role of operators and investors in developing tourism destinations through
innovative hospitality models and strategic UAE–Africa partnerships. The panelists underscored
the role of investments in integrated tourism experiences that focus on service quality and product
diversity and the need for boosting long-term investments in hotel and entertainment infrastructure
to create new growth opportunities and broaden the range of tourism destinations in Africa.

The session also underscored the importance of integrating technology and digital solutions to
develop advanced destination ecosystems that meet global travellers’ expectations while
enhancing sustainability through eco-friendly standards and hospitality projects that engage local
communities and drive job creation and economic growth.

The panelists were Uzoamaka Oshogwe, CEO and Managing Director of Transcorp Hotels; Hamza
Farooqui, CEO of Millat Global Holdings in South Africa; Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral
Destinations in Abu Dhabi; and Dr. Senthil Gopinath, Chief Executive Officer, ICCA Chair,
Events Industry Council.

Role of the private sector in tourism growth and sustainability

The third session, titled “Private Sector Leading the Way: Investors and Operators at the Forefront”
focused on the leading role of investors in shaping the future of tourism in Africa. Speakers
reviewed leading innovation experiences and the expansion of tourism investment in hospitality
and tourism infrastructure.