The Traffic

Africa’s Tourism Sector Set to Create 80 Million Jobs in a Decade – CBAAC

By Achimi muktar 

Africa’s next big economic revolution isn’t in oil, tech, or mining—it’s in tourism. And if projections are right, this vibrant sector is on track to create over 80 million new jobs across the continent in the next ten years.

That bold forecast came from Mrs. Aisha Augie, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), during a landmark two-day international conference held in Lagos on Tuesday.

“These are not just statistics. They represent livelihoods, opportunities, and hope for millions of Africans,” Augie declared to an energized audience of scholars, creatives, and cultural stakeholders.

The event, hosted in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, and the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), spotlighted the theme:
“Cultural Tourism, Creative Economy and Sustainable Development in Africa.”

Backed by data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, Augie revealed that tourism injected a staggering $168 billion into Africa’s GDP in 2024. And the continent is just getting started.

With tourism revenue expected to reach $25.1 billion by 2025, the sector is fast becoming a lifeline for economic growth and youth employment.

“Every visitor who attends a local festival, buys a hand-crafted item, or watches a traditional performance is directly investing in Africa’s creative product,” Augie emphasized.

For Augie, tourism isn’t just about landmarks or landscapes—it’s a celebration of African identity and heritage.

She pointed to vibrant cultural events like the Ojude Oba Festival, Osun-Osogbo, the Calabar Carnival, and northern Nigeria’s traditional durbars as powerful showcases of Africa’s diverse traditions.

“Tourists are not just visitors; they are participants, consumers, and potential investors in local economies,” she noted.

The DG also spotlighted Africa’s creative industries—music, film, fashion, visual arts, and storytelling—as vital players in this transformation.

Currently valued at $4.2 billion annually, the creative sector could grow to a whopping $20 billion per year, if properly harnessed.

“Tourism and creativity form a powerful ecosystem—one that sustains communities, empowers artisans, and amplifies African stories globally,” she explained.

However, Augie didn’t sugarcoat the challenges. She warned that growth without sustainability is a ticking time bomb.

“Growth without sustainability is not progress. It is merely a short-lived impulse,” she cautioned.

She urged African policymakers, institutions, and cultural stakeholders to ensure that the boom in tourism doesn’t come at the cost of cultural erosion or environmental degradation.

Her call: protect tradition, empower youth, and preserve the planet—all while keeping Africa’s creative voice loud and proud on the global stage.

As Africa prepares to unlock tens of millions of new jobs, the message from Lagos is clear:
Tourism isn’t just travel—it’s transformation.