UNWTO marks Africa Day 2022, harps on food security

In commemoration of this year’s Africa Day, which is celebrated annually on May 25, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Zurab Pololikashvili, has said that this year’s occasion is an opportunity to come together and recognise the richness of this diverse continent, its people and its destinations, while at the same time noting the challenges and available opportunities.

To be sure, there are many challenges to address to transform the sector, to make it more sustainable and secure food access and distribution. But we have good reason to be optimistic about the future. Africa is home to the fastest-growing urban populations on Earth and its growth is being driven by a buoyant youth possessing incredible talent and ingenuity. Moreover, tourism is returning across Africa, and our sector has the power to deliver positive change and inspire transformation.”
  
He continued: “Right now, around one-third of all the money tourists spend globally goes on food. In Africa, this supports businesses and both local and national economies. It also supports jobs and provides opportunities, most notably for women, youth and for many people living in rural areas. But this enormous potential is yet to be fully realised. We need to invest in human capital as a main pillar of recovery, giving people capacity, skills development and the right tools for entrepreneurship. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are the backbone of the sector must receive the necessary support from the government to drive the sector and secure millions of jobs in Africa.”
 

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) are paramount for advancing Africa’s agenda on sustainable development.”
  
He, however, noted that through the UNWTO Agenda for Africa -Tourism for Inclusive Growth, we would continue to support the continent and grow the sector as a pillar of opportunity for all. And we will continue to support Africa tourism with major flagship events as follows: In October, UNWTO will hold its 65th UNWTO Commission meeting for the region in Tanzania. And then in November, we will meet in Nigeria for the Global Conference on Linking Tourism, Culture and Creative Industries, Pathways to Recovery and Inclusive Development. And above all, we will continue to champion Africa, its people, its rich heritage and vibrant cities and its rich gastronomy.”