The 22nd edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market will take place in Lagos, Nigeria from 13 to 15 September 2026 and will feature the second African Tour Operators’ Summit. This summit aims to bring together Africa’s sports and tourism sectors to develop travel opportunities connected to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
AFCON 2027 to Boost Intra-African Tourism
The African Tour Operators’ Summit will focus on leveraging AFCON 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The event intends to align football tourism from West Africa with East Africa’s established tourism destinations. The summit will explore strategies to merge sports and
travel, encouraging football fans attending AFCON 2027 to also visit prominent East African tourist sites.
Summit Features and Awards
The summit will offer networking sessions, business-to-business meetings, and discussions aimed at fostering cross-border tourism through sports. On 14 September 2026, the Africa Travel 100 Awards will be held to recognize African tour operators who have actively promoted travel within the continent, highlighting businesses that contribute to increasing intra-African tourism.
Akwaaba’s Position and Participants
Akwaaba African Travel Market is the largest travel and tourism exhibition in West Africa and ranks among Africa’s top five travel expos. It has drawn exhibitors and tourism stakeholders from over 20 countries across Africa,
the Middle East, and beyond, including The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. The event received the Award of Excellence in Tourism from the Nigerian Government and the UN World Tourism Organization in 2022.
Side Events Supporting Tourism Development
The 2026 edition of Akwaaba will feature side events such as the Africa Food Fair, African Medical Tourism Forum, African Tourism Conference, Destination Wedding showcase, African Youth Tourism Bantaba, Travel Technology forum, and CHINET Aviacargo. These events are designed to support various segments within the tourism industry and enhance business opportunities.
Strategic Sports and Tourism Collaboration
West Africa, as Africa’s football
powerhouse with the highest number of AFCON qualifiers, combined with East Africa’s reputation as a leading tourism destination, provides a strategic opportunity for collaboration. The summit aims to foster partnerships between West African football markets and East African tourism offerings, creating integrated travel packages to attract visitors across the continent during AFCON 2027.
