The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market will hold its second African Tour Operators’ Summit from 13 to 15 September 2026 in Lagos, focusing on integrating sports and tourism around the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Tour operators from East and West Africa will meet during the event to explore travel opportunities linked to the 2027 AFCON, which is jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Summit Objectives and Collaboration
The summit aims to facilitate business-to-business meetings, networking, and the creation of travel packages for football supporters attending AFCON. It seeks to build partnerships that combine match attendance with visits to East Africa’s leading
tourist destinations.
By bringing together operators from regions where West Africa dominates as the continent’s football powerhouse and East Africa is a premier tourism hub, the event intends to strengthen cooperation ahead of the continental tournament.
Background on AFCON 2027 and Regional Significance
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, providing a platform for promoting cross-border tourism through sports. West Africa traditionally contributes the highest number of AFCON qualifiers, while East Africa boasts established natural and cultural tourist attractions.
The summit’s coordination between these regions highlights efforts to leverage the continent’s largest football tournament to increase intra-African travel.
Africa Travel 100 Awards and Akwaaba Market Profile
On 14 September 2026,
the Africa Travel 100 Awards will honour African tour operators who facilitate travel within the continent. These “Africans for Africa Awards” recognise contributions to promoting destinations across Africa among African travellers.
Akwaaba African Travel Market, ranked among Africa’s top five travel expos and the largest in West Africa, draws exhibitors and stakeholders from over 20 countries including The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Seychelles, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE.
The event received an Award of Excellence in Tourism from the Nigerian Government and the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2022 for its contribution to tourism
development.
Supporting Events and Role in African Tourism
Alongside the summit, 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 will take place.
Akwaaba serves as a major platform promoting tourism, aviation, hospitality, and travel business opportunities across Africa, supporting both inbound and outbound travel to the continent.
