AITEC World President Calls for Tourism-Led Economic Transformation in Africa, Invites Audience to Africa Tourism Dialogue- Addis Ababa and 3rd Launch-London at ECOFinance Gala in Dakar
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DAKAR-
The President of the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World), Amb. Dine Bouraima, has urged African governments, businesses and investors to embrace tourism as a strategic driver of economic growth, investment and continental integration.
Speaking on 11 July 2026 at the ECO FINANCE Gala of the 100 Most Dynamic Companies in Africa, held at the King Fahd Palace Hotel, Amb. Bouraima said Africa’s future prosperity depends on harnessing tourism to unlock broader economic opportunities.
Addressing an audience of ministers, captains of industry, business executives and development stakeholders, the AITEC World President congratulated Djibril Barry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ecofinances Enterprises, for establishing one of Africa’s leading platforms for recognising entrepreneurial excellence.
“For more than twenty years, he has transformed this Gala into one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms celebrating dynamic businesses. Africa thanks him for this remarkable contribution,” Bouraima said.
Highlighting tourism’s global economic significance, he noted that according to UN Tourism and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector contributes nearly 10 percent of global GDP and supports one in every ten jobs worldwide. However, despite Africa’s rich natural, cultural and human resources, the continent attracts only about five percent of international tourist arrivals.
He described this disparity as an opportunity rather than a setback.
“Tourism should not simply be viewed as leisure. It must become a powerful engine of sustainable economic development,” he stated.
Bouraima explained that AITEC World was established to bridge tourism, trade, investment, economic development and international cooperation under one continental vision.
“Our motto remains: Linking Africa to the World and the World to Africa,” he affirmed.
He recalled AITEC World’s international launch in Abuja in August 2025 and its subsequent inauguration at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa in November 2025, noting that the organisation has continued to expand its network of governments, institutions, investors and private-sector partners across Africa and beyond.
The AITEC World President also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting visa-free travel and seamless connectivity across Africa. He commended countries including Benin, Seychelles, Rwanda, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya and Togo for taking significant steps towards easing movement for African citizens.
According to him, AITEC World’s long-term objective is to see at least 27 African countries implement visa-free travel for Africans by 2035.
“When Africans move more freely, businesses invest more, trade expands, jobs are created and Africa becomes more prosperous,” he said.
Bouraima further highlighted the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AITEC World and Ecofinances Enterprises, describing it as a strategic partnership aimed at positioning the private sector at the centre of Africa’s economic transformation.
He also extended an invitation to governments, business leaders, investors and development institutions to participate in the third launch of AITEC World slated for London between 2-4 November, 2026 and the Second Africa Tourism Dialogue (ATD 2026) scheduled for 12–14 November 2026 in Addis Ababa.
The forum, he said, will bring together policymakers, investors, tourism leaders and development partners to accelerate investment, strengthen intra-African trade and promote tourism as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.
Concluding his address, Amb. Bouraima stressed that Africa’s destiny rests in the hands of Africans. “Africa’s future will not depend on what the world does for us. It will depend on what we decide to build together.”
He added that, “When tourism grows, investment follows. When investment grows, businesses flourish. And when businesses flourish, Africa prospers.”
The AITEC World President congratulated the 100 companies honoured during the gala, describing them as businesses that are not only achieving commercial success but also contributing significantly to Africa’s long-term prosperity. He reaffirmed AITEC World’s commitment to working with the private sector to advance sustainable economic development across the continent.
