Akwaaba 2025 Set to Unveil Africa’s Largest Gathering of Airlines and Tourism Leaders
The much-anticipated 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market is primed to make history as it returns to Lagos from September 14th to 16th, 2025. Hosted at the iconic Eko Hotel and Suites, this edition promises to be the continent’s most dynamic convergence of airlines, tourism experts, and hospitality stakeholders. With the support of influential partners such as Air Peace, the Lagos State Government, The Gambia, Wakanow, and Interswitch, Akwaaba 2025 is expected to redefine the scale and impact of travel exhibitions across Africa.
Widely recognized as West Africa’s only international travel and tourism exhibition, Akwaaba has established itself as a critical catalyst for promoting intra-African travel, cross-border trade, and vibrant cultural exchange. The 2025 event is set to surpass previous records by hosting the largest assembly of airlines ever seen at an African travel expo, reinforcing its role as a vital platform for the continent’s aviation and tourism industries.
This year’s edition is projected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including leading tourism boards, top airlines, major hotel brands, government officials, and international buyers. Such a diverse gathering underscores Akwaaba’s influence as a meeting point for decision-makers and innovators eager to shape the future of African travel and hospitality.
Running concurrently with Akwaaba will be the 5th Chinet Aviacargo Conference, a strategic addition designed to bridge the gap between tourism and air cargo sectors. This synergy aims to unlock new opportunities for logistics and connectivity, fostering deeper collaboration that benefits both travel and trade across the continent. By integrating these key industries, Akwaaba is setting the stage for a holistic approach to regional development—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of passenger and cargo movement in driving economic growth.
A meticulously curated three-day agenda awaits participants, tailored to deliver maximum value and facilitate meaningful engagement. The festivities will kick off on Sunday, September 14th, with a high-profile opening ceremony, setting a celebratory tone for the days ahead. Attendees can look forward to the much-loved Jollof Rice War, a spirited culinary contest that celebrates West African culture and cuisine, alongside the prestigious Top 100 Hotel Awards, which recognize excellence in hospitality across the continent.
The following days will feature an array of business-to-business (B2B) sessions, offering a robust platform for networking, deal-making, and market expansion. Dedicated country days will spotlight the unique tourism assets of participating nations, allowing destinations to showcase their offerings directly to prospective partners and investors. The exhibition will also see the launch of new products and services, providing African and global brands with a stage to unveil innovations designed to meet evolving traveller expectations.
Specialized conferences will anchor the event’s educational component, focusing on pivotal themes such as domestic tourism, the advancement of women in tourism, insurance solutions for the sector, the future of air cargo, and the empowerment of youth in tourism. These sessions are crafted to foster dialogue, share best practices, and inspire actionable strategies that can propel Africa’s travel ecosystem forward.
In a statement, the event organizer emphasized Akwaaba’s enduring reputation as “the melting pot of Africa’s tourism, aviation, and hospitality industries,” while highlighting the event’s unique ability to attract leading players from across the continent and beyond. The 2025 edition, buoyed by strong partnerships, is set to once again spotlight Africa’s immense potential as the next frontier in global tourism—a message that resonates deeply with industry professionals seeking new growth avenues.
Since its inception, Akwaaba has evolved from a regional gathering into a truly global platform for networking, business development, and knowledge exchange. Its commitment to championing African destinations and fostering connections has played a transformative role in shaping perceptions of the continent’s tourism potential. The event’s growth mirrors the rising ambition of African countries to claim a larger share of the international travel market and to leverage tourism as a driver of inclusive development.
For airlines, hotel operators, and local entrepreneurs, Akwaaba 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase products, forge partnerships, and tap into new client bases. The unprecedented presence of airlines at this year’s expo is expected to stimulate competition, drive innovation, and expand route networks—developments that could fundamentally enhance connectivity and accessibility for African destinations. Hospitality providers, meanwhile, will have the chance to connect with buyers and investors seeking fresh experiences and high-quality service offerings.
Lagos, as the host city, stands to further cement its status as a premier African business hub. The influx of delegates and industry leaders will not only spotlight the city’s infrastructure and hospitality assets but also generate significant economic benefits for local communities. For the broader travel sector, Akwaaba’s continued success signals the rising confidence and capacity of Africa to host world-class events and to position itself at the centre of global tourism conversations.
Looking to the future, the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market is more than just an exhibition—it is a statement of intent about the direction of African tourism. As the industry faces new challenges and opportunities, such gatherings will be crucial in shaping strategies, building networks, and driving the innovations that will define travel across the continent in the years to come. For all participants, Akwaaba 2025 promises not just business deals and networking, but also inspiration and a renewed commitment to making Africa a leading force in the world’s tourism landscape.
