African Travel & Tourism News 18 08 25

The Trans African Tourism & Unity Campaign will embark on a historic 40,000-kilometer road journey across 39 African countries, starting from Accra on Monday, August 18, 2025.The 163-day expedition is designed to promote a visa-free Africa by 2030, complementing and accelerating the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for a united, prosperous, and integrated continent. 

Endorsed by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the campaign is led by former Ghanaian legislator Ras Mubarak and seeks to deepen continental unity, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism.

The journey will begin in Accra with its first stop in Lomé, Togo, on August 18, before moving through Cotonou in Benin and Nigeria, continuing across Central, Southern, East, and North Africa before concluding in Ghana. Among the countries on the route are Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Angola, Namibia,

Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. The journey will also extend through Chad, Niger, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso.

Ras Mubarak emphasized that the campaign is not only about tourism but also about breaking visa barriers that limit Africa’s potential. “A visa-free Africa by 2030 is not just a dream—it’s a necessity to unlock our continent’s potential in tourism, trade, and cultural exchange,” he said.

The campaign’s itinerary includes meetings with African Heads of Government, presentations of letters advocating for visa-free policies, press briefings in each country, cultural showcases, and stakeholder engagements to highlight tourism as a driver of economic growth, youth empowerment, and cross-border collaboration.

The 2025 Agotime Kente Festival in Agotime-Kpetoe was marked by a strong call to preserve cultural heritage while advancing development. Special Guest of Honour and Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President, Alex Segbefia, praised kente as a symbol of Ghana’s identity, history, and global influence, noting its role in the independence movement and its prominence in the diaspora and global fashion.

Mr. Segbefia linked cultural celebration to national progress, stressing the importance of infrastructure, tourism, and healthcare in unlocking Ghana’s cultural and tourism potential. He reaffirmed government commitments under the $2 billion “Big Push Agenda” and highlighted projects in the Volta Region, including the Eastern Corridor Road, Blekusu Sea Defence, agricultural investments, and the Ho-Denu Road. He also announced plans to connect Agotime to the Adidome Water Project and projected Ho Teaching Hospital as a hub for medical tourism.

The festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary, featured kente weaving, exhibitions, cultural performances, and pageantry. Segbefia was enstooled as a Development Chief, while other speakers called for patriotism, unity, and greater development for the Volta Region.

A new US remittance tax taking effect in January will impose a one percent levy on money transfers abroad, directly impacting diaspora communities in Africa. The policy, aimed at curbing illicit financing, applies to all formal remittance channels and is expected to affect families in Nigeria, Liberia, Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia who rely heavily on these funds for food, healthcare, education, and tourism support.

In 2023, remittances from the US reached $98 billion globally, with sub-Saharan Africa receiving $56 billion, 38 percent of which went to Nigeria. The new tax is expected to create financial strain, particularly in countries like Liberia where remittances exceed foreign aid.

The economic ripple effect could extend to Africa’s tourism sector, as remittances often finance travel, traditional celebrations, and medical or educational tourism, while also sustaining hospitality and local businesses. The reduction in flows risks undermining development, financial inclusion, and community livelihoods across the continent.

From its participation at Expo 2025 in Japan, Hanoi is making waves on the global tourism stage. 
The Vietnamese capital showcased its mix of peace, tradition, and modern vibrancy with the goal of attracting Japanese tourists—a key emerging market. This strategic move aims to elevate Hanoi’s visibility and appeal in the competitive global tourism landscape.

Hanoi’s showcase at Expo 2025 also highlighted its culinary heritage, handicrafts, and performances, positioning the city as a destination that blends authenticity with modern tourism experiences.

 Officials believe the exposure will strengthen bilateral ties with Japan and boost visitor numbers in the years ahead.

Source : Joycelyn Marigold - African Travel & Tourism News