The 22nd edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, from 13 to 15 September 2026 and will convene African tour operators from East and West Africa for its second African Tour Operators’ Summit.
Summit to Align Sports and Tourism for Africa Cup of Nations 2027
The summit will focus on leveraging the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, to enhance intra-African tourism. It aims to integrate East Africa’s recognized tourism appeal with West Africa’s strong football fan base.
Networking and Travel Package Development Targeting AFCON Spectators
The summit facilitates business-to-business meetings, networking, and partnership building among tour operators from East and West Africa. It encourages
the development of travel packages combining AFCON 2027 football attendance with visits to major tourist destinations across East Africa.
Africa Travel 100 Awards Scheduled for September 14
On 14 September 2026, the Africa Travel 100 Awards for African Tour Operators will be presented during the summit. These awards recognize operators promoting African destinations to fellow Africans, supporting the “Africans for Africa Awards” initiative to increase intra-African travel and showcase the continent’s tourism potential.
Akwaaba African Travel Market’s Status and Recognition
Akwaaba African Travel Market has grown into the largest travel and tourism exhibition in West Africa and ranks among Africa’s top five travel expos. It received an Award of Excellence in Tourism from the Nigerian
Government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 2022 for its significant contribution to tourism development.
Event Participation and Side Events
The annual exhibition attracts exhibitors and stakeholders from more than 20 countries including The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. Akwaaba 2026 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, broadening the event’s scope across the continent.
