Culture

ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2024

ATLF 2024: Empowering African tourism, unleashing opportunities

The African Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) 2024 is set to be an unprecedented convergence of tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry innovators from across the globe.

Hosted in the vibrant city of Gaborone, Botswana, this year’s forum promises to redefine the future of African tourism, with a spotlight on the highly anticipated masterclass and business-to-business (B2B) events.

The ATLF 2024 masterclass is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge insights, strategies, and skills required to navigate the evolving landscape of the tourism industry.

The masterclass will feature distinguished speakers who are shaping the future of global tourism, including; Mark Okraku-Mantey, deputy minister, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Republic of Ghana, who will share his visionary approach to driving cultural and tourism growth in Ghana, as well as Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Netherlands, a global authority on conventions and events.

Gopinath will bring his vast expertise on how Africa can position itself as a leading destination for international meetings and events.

Others speakers are: Emily Mburu-Ndoria, director, trade in services, investment, intellectual property rights, and digital trade, AFCFTA Secretariat, who will explore the role of trade in services and digital transformation in boosting tourism across the continent, while Lasse Ristolainen, Development Principal, Kasada Capital Management, will offer insight with her extensive experience in hotel development and investment, as well as exploring innovative approaches to tourism infrastructure in Africa.

On his part, Olayinka Bandele, chief of Inclusive Industrialization Section, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Sub-regional Office for Southern Africa, will discuss sustainable tourism as a driver for inclusive industrialization in Africa.

Shatha Al Kaud, founder of Emportality Sustainability Consultancy, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a leading voice in sustainability, will offer strategies on embedding sustainable practices in tourism development.

The B2B event at ATLF 2024 will be a dynamic platform where tourism professionals can forge new partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and engage in high-level networking. The event is engineered to create an environment where business deals are not just discussed but realized, ensuring long-term growth and collaboration within the African tourism sector.

Prominent leaders and industry figures will participate in the event, including: Keitumetse Setlang, CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation, a champion for Botswana’s tourism industry, who will highlight the country’s strategies for attracting global travelers.

Nombulelo Guliwe, chief executive officer, South African Tourism, will delve into the innovative approaches South Africa is taking to maintain its position as a leading tourism destination in Africa, while June Chepkemei, chief executive officer, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), will share Kenya’s success stories in tourism and discuss future-plans to further elevate the nation’s tourism offerings.

Hamza Farooqui, chief executive officer, Millat Investments, South Africa, a leading entrepreneur, will discuss investment opportunities in Africa’s tourism sector and the importance of building resilient tourism economies.

Kamil Al-Awadhi, regional vice president, Africa and the Middle East, IATA, will provide insights on the future of air travel in Africa and how the continent can enhance its connectivity to boost tourism.

The ATLF 2024 will serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the African tourism industry. By bringing together an elite group of speakers and attendees, the forum will not only showcase the potential of African tourism but also provide actionable solutions to the challenges facing the sector.

The ATLF 2024 is organised by African Tourism Partners (ATP), a UN Tourism-affiliated award-winning Pan-African tourism development and strategic destination marketing advisory firm.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

3 weeks ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”