By Lubem Gena
Africa’s tourism and economic landscape received a major boost this week as Africa Celebrates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Africa International Tourism & Economic Council (AITEC World) at the Benin Royal Hotel in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
News Headquarters gathered that, the agreement, signed by Lexy Mojo-Eyes, President/CEO of Africa Celebrates, and Ambassador Bouraima, President/CEO of AITEC World, is designed to strengthen tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth across the continent.
Under the MoU, AITEC will be officially launched at a continental level during Africa Celebrates 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, following its regional debut in Abuja, Nigeria.
Both organizations also agreed to co-host and co-organize the Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD) annually, which will be staged on the sidelines of Africa Celebrates. The ATD is projected to become Africa’s most influential platform for tourism dialogue, policy shaping, and investment promotion.
“This partnership is a game-changer for African tourism. It will not only strengthen intra-African collaboration but also open doors for sustainable investments, innovation, and jobs within the sector,” said Mojo-Eyes during the ceremony.
Ambassador Bouraima emphasized that the collaboration would accelerate AITEC’s mission of using tourism as a tool for inclusive development. “Tourism, travel, and hospitality are powerful engines for job creation and economic empowerment. This MoU provides a continental platform to harness those opportunities,” he said.
The event attracted high-profile dignitaries including Amb. Bukar Kalambe, Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic; Katherine Afeku, former Minister of Tourism of Ghana; Madam Mariam Djaouga, Minister of Social Affairs of Benin Republic; and Kazeem Balogun, Vice President of AITEC World.
The inaugural Africa Tourism Dialogue under this agreement will take place on November 6, 2025, at Conference Room 2 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Africa Celebrates, packaged by Legendary Gold Limited in collaboration with Ethiopia-based Afronova, is backed by the African Union Commission, UNECA, and several embassies and multilateral partners. Other institutional supporters include the US Mission to the AU, Morocco Mission to the AU, European Union Delegation to the AU, Pan African Chambers of Commerce & Industry (PACCI), Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FEWACCI), and the All Africa Association of SMEs, among others.
Analysts say the partnership reflects growing recognition of tourism as a vital sector for Africa’s future, capable of diversifying economies, attracting foreign investment, and fostering regional integration.
Editors Note:
For more information on partnership and participation, visit www.africacelebrates.com.
