Windhoek, Namibia, 12 November 2026 (ECA) – Tourism experts, policymakers and industry leaders meeting at the Session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts (ICSOE) for Eastern and Southern Africa have called for stronger regional integration, improved air connectivity and simplified travel procedures to unlock the tourism sector's full contribution to economic growth and job creation. 

The discussion, focused on the State of Tourism in Eastern and Southern Africa and brought together representatives from the tourism, aviation and regional integration sectors.  

Presenting ECA's analysis, Geoffrey Manyara noted that tourism continues to play a critical role in both regions. In 2025, tourism contributed approximately US$102 billion, representing around 45 per cent of Africa's tourism GDP, while generating about 26 per cent of the continent's tourism-related employment. Capital investment in tourism reached US$14 billion, equivalent to 38 per cent of Africa's tourism investment. 

The two regions received about 60 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, accounting for more than half of all arrivals to Africa. Tourism receipts reached approximately US$26 billion, highlighting the sector's growing importance for economic diversification and foreign exchange earnings.  

Despite this progress, participants highlighted persistent barriers that continue to limit tourism growth, including high travel costs, cumbersome visa requirements and limited air connectivity.

According to Maureen Kahonge, Director of Commercial and Communications at the African Airlines Association, only one in five city pairs in Africa has a direct daily flight, forcing many travellers to transit through destinations outside the continent. She emphasized that improving intra-African connectivity is essential for expanding tourism and trade. 

"By enhancing intra-African connectivity and reducing travel costs, more passengers will be able to move across destinations, increasing tourism receipts and supporting local economies," she said. 

Kwakye Donkor, Chief Executive Officer of African Tourism Partners, called for greater investment in tourism infrastructure and stronger political commitment to tourism development.

"Tourism is one of the few sectors capable of generating large-scale employment and economic opportunities. We need stronger advocacy and investment to ensure that tourism receives the attention it deserves in national development planning," he said. 

Meanwhile, Charmaine Matheus, Chief of Marketing at the Namibia Tourism Board, stressed the need for African destinations to differentiate themselves and leverage cultural tourism, sports tourism and creative industries to attract visitors.

"International travellers increasingly seek authentic experiences and meaningful connections with people and cultures. Africa must capitalize on its unique identity and diversity to stand out in a competitive tourism market," she said. 

Participants agreed that simplified visa regimes, implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, better transport infrastructure and stronger collaboration between tourism and aviation stakeholders could significantly boost tourism flows across the continent. 

Participants made a call for governments to move from policy discussions to implementation, recognizing tourism as a catalyst for investment, trade, regional integration and sustainable development.  

The discussion formed part of ICSOE 2026, which has brought together delegates from 25 countries to explore practical solutions for strengthening connectivity, trade and investment between Eastern and Southern Africa.