Akwaaba African Travel Market expands into East Africa, debuting at Kenya’s top travel expo to strengthen continental tourism ties and collaboration
Akwaaba African Travel Market has reached a defining milestone in its 21-year journey, exhibiting for the first time outside West Africa at the 2025 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi.
The move marks a transformative moment in the Lagos-based event’s evolution from a regional showcase into a truly pan-African tourism platform.
Since its inception, Akwaaba has earned recognition as West Africa’s only international travel and tourism fair, serving as a hub for airlines, hoteliers, tourism boards, and government representatives.
Its expansion into East Africa represents a bold step toward continental integration, fostering deeper collaboration and opening new pathways in Africa’s growing tourism economy.
At the Nairobi expo, Akwaaba was one of only two West African exhibitors alongside ASKY Airlines—demonstrating the region’s increasing engagement in Africa’s wider tourism conversation.
The Akwaaba delegation, represented by Deborah Olukayode and Chinazam Ikechi-Uko, brought a taste of Nigeria’s vibrant culture through Afrobeats rhythms, Jollof rice tastings, and the unmistakable “Lagos energy” that captivated visitors.
Olukayode described the participation as a “natural progression” of Akwaaba’s mission to connect Africa through tourism.
She noted that the positive response from delegates across the continent reflected a growing appetite for collaboration and knowledge exchange values at the heart of Akwaaba’s ethos.
Founded by Mr Ikechi Uko, Akwaaba has evolved into a dynamic platform where “Africa meets the world.”
Its landmark events, including the Africa Travel 100 Awards, the Jollof Rice War, the Medical Tourism Expo, and the Air Cargo Chinet Aviacargo Conference, have helped redefine Africa’s tourism narrative and foster industry innovation.
The most recent edition of Akwaaba attracted 16 African airlines, the highest number in its history, underscoring its role as a catalyst for air connectivity and intra-African tourism.
Looking ahead, the next Akwaaba African Travel Market is scheduled for 13–16 September 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, and organisers promise an even more expansive edition, building on the energy and visibility gained from Nairobi.
Beyond its symbolic significance, Akwaaba’s participation at MKTE highlights a broader push for African tourism integration a drive to align regional markets, strengthen collaboration, and amplify the continent’s voice on the global stage.
As nations continue to invest in infrastructure and innovation, intra-African travel is poised for exponential growth.
For tourism professionals, Akwaaba’s journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and vision. It has grown beyond being a travel fair it is now a powerful symbol of African creativity, pride, and unity, charting a shared path for the continent’s tourism future.
Business3 years ago
