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 will focus on integrating Africa’s sports and tourism sectors to develop travel opportunities linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Akwaaba 2026 Schedule and AFCON Hosts
The three-day event in Lagos will bring together tour operators from East and West Africa to collaborate on travel packages targeting football supporters attending the 2027 AFCON. The 2027 football tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with the event presenting a platform
to connect sports and tourism industries across the continent.
Summit Goals: Networking and Travel Package Development
The African Tour Operators’ Summit aims to facilitate business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, and discussions to promote cross-border tourism through sports. Operators will develop partnerships and create tourism products designed for visitors attending AFCON matches, leveraging the large fan base expected for the football event.
Africa Travel 100 Awards Recognise Tour Operators
The summit will host the Africa Travel 100 Awards on 14 September 2026 to honour African tour operators who have significantly contributed to promoting intra-African travel. These awards, also known as the “Africans for Africa Awards,” celebrate businesses advancing African tourism and showcasing the continent’s travel potential.
Akwaaba’s History and Recognition
Akwaaba African Travel Market is the largest travel and tourism exhibition in West Africa and ranks among Africa’s top five travel expos. In 2022, the Nigerian Government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) awarded Akwaaba an Award of Excellence in Tourism for its role in developing African tourism.
Side Events and International Participation
The 2026 edition 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. The event will attract exhibitors, buyers, 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.
Strategic Integration of Sports and Tourism in Africa
The summit’s strategy is to use the 2027 AFCON tournament to boost intra-African tourism by linking West Africa’s football dominance with East Africa’s leading tourist destinations. West Africa consistently produces the highest number of AFCON qualifiers, while countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda are established tourism hubs. Bringing operators from these regions together aims to strengthen collaboration and create attractive packages that blend sports events with tourism experiences.
