Akwaaba African Travel Market Expands Footprint with Debut at Magical Kenya Travel Expo
The Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM) has taken a bold step in its evolution by exhibiting for the first time outside West Africa, making its debut at the 2025 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the 21-year journey of the Lagos-based expo, which has become a cornerstone for promoting intra-African tourism and fostering greater connectivity across the continent.
Since its inception, Akwaaba has been recognized as West Africa’s only international travel and tourism fair, drawing together industry leaders, airlines, hoteliers, and government representatives to showcase the region’s rich tourism assets. The event’s expansion into East Africa signals a new era of pan-African collaboration, offering fresh opportunities for stakeholders across Sub-Saharan Africa to engage with new markets and audiences.
At the Nairobi expo, Akwaaba stood out as one of only two West African exhibitors—alongside ASKY Airlines—demonstrating the region’s growing ambition to participate in the broader African tourism landscape. The Akwaaba team, represented by Deborah Olukayode and Chinazam Ikechi-Uko, brought a taste of Nigeria’s vibrant culture to the event, captivating visitors with Afrobeats rhythms, Jollof rice tastings, and the unmistakable “Lagos vibes and energy.” This cultural showcase not only highlighted Nigeria’s unique appeal but also underscored the diversity and dynamism that West Africa brings to the continental tourism scene.
Olukayode emphasized that Akwaaba’s participation at MKTE was a natural extension of its mission to connect Africa through tourism. The warm reception and keen interest from attendees across the continent reflected a shared desire for deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange among Africa’s travel professionals. This spirit of unity is at the heart of Akwaaba’s philosophy, which has always sought to bridge gaps and create new pathways for business and cultural exchange.
Under the visionary leadership of founder Mr. Ikechi Uko, Akwaaba has established itself as a pan-African marketplace where “Africa meets the world.” Over the years, the platform has hosted a series of high-profile events that have shaped the narrative of African tourism. These include the Africa Travel 100 Awards, which celebrate industry excellence; the lively Jollof Rice War, a culinary contest that draws food lovers from across the region; the Medical Tourism Expo, which explores the continent’s growing health travel sector; the African Youth Bantaba, a forum for young industry voices; and the Air Cargo Chinet Aviacargo Conference, which addresses the critical role of air freight in Africa’s trade ecosystem.
Akwaaba’s most recent edition was particularly notable for attracting a record 16 African airlines, the highest in its history, reflecting the growing importance of air connectivity in driving tourism and trade across the continent. This achievement underscores the expo’s role as a catalyst for industry growth, providing a platform for airlines, airports, and tourism boards to forge new partnerships and explore innovative business models.
Looking ahead, the next Akwaaba African Travel Market is scheduled for September 13–16, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event is expected to build on the momentum generated by its East African debut, offering even greater opportunities for networking, deal-making, and knowledge sharing. For African industry professionals, Akwaaba’s expanding footprint is a clear signal that the future of tourism lies in cross-border collaboration and the celebration of Africa’s diverse cultures and destinations.
The significance of Akwaaba’s participation at MKTE extends beyond the event itself. It represents a broader trend of African tourism platforms seeking to break down regional silos and foster a more integrated continental market. As more African countries invest in infrastructure, develop new products, and embrace digital innovation, the potential for intra-African travel and business is set to grow exponentially.
For stakeholders in Sub-Saharan Africa, Akwaaba’s journey offers valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and vision. By consistently championing African excellence and creating spaces for dialogue and exchange, the expo has helped to elevate the continent’s profile on the global stage. Its success also highlights the importance of cultural authenticity and local storytelling in attracting visitors and building lasting industry relationships.
As the African travel landscape continues to evolve, events like Akwaaba will play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of the industry. The move to exhibit at MKTE is not just a milestone for Akwaaba, but a call to action for all African tourism professionals to think beyond borders, embrace innovation, and work together to unlock the continent’s vast potential. With its eyes set firmly on the future, Akwaaba remains a beacon for those committed to building a more connected, dynamic, and prosperous African tourism sector.
