The opening ceremony of the 6th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge in Windhoek, Namibia has set a dynamic tone with a strong call for youth participation in creating innovative interventions and enhancing entrepreneurial ventures.

 

Additionally, the summit has emphasized the urgent need to address the disparity between the youth and academia, advocating for knowledge to transcend beyond the traditional classroom boundaries and be applied practically in the tourism sector.

 

 

Key Highlights:

1. Call for Innovative Interventions

2. Entrepreneurial Ventures

3. Bridging the Gap between Youth and Academia

4. Partnership and Collaboration

5. Key Factors for Entrepreneurial Success

6. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

7. Content Creation and Social Media Marketing

The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge is an annual Youth initiative hosted

by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with the UN Tourism and BDO South Africa.

 

Since Its inception, the event has been hosted by the Governments of Ghana (Ghana Tourism Authority), Rwanda (Rwanda Development Board, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Mastercard Foundation and the Government of Namibia (Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

 

 

Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, Hon. Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta, MP, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, of the Republic of Namibia urged the youth in Namibia and Africa at large to take space in the tourism sector especially when

it comes to technological innovation and embracing the African continental trade initiative.

 

 

Ghana’s Minister for Tourism, Arts And Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer was on the Ministerial and Policy Makers dialogue panel that explored how they could “advance the voices of young women in travel, tourism and tech entrepreneurs and leadership – challenges, opportunities and solutions”.

The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr Akwasi Agyeman joined Abeiku Aggrey Santana, Managing Director of Kaya Tours Ltd and Kenny Agyepong Jnr, Founder of AfroFuture in the panel discussion on the topic “ Taking the Next Step in the Entrepreneurship Journey Using Creative Arts and Culture “

 

 

Professor Kobby Mensah from the University of Ghana Business School moderated the session titled “Societal and Organizational Shifts: Key Drivers for Entrepreneurship and Start-up Successes, Failures, Learnings, and Advice.” Mr. Gideon Asare, the Managing Director of Adansi Travels Ltd Ghana, addressed the topic “Demystifying Start-up Funding as a Barrier to Navigating the Path to Innovation and Success.”

The three-day summit is expected to end on May 31, 2024.

 

It is being attended by over 250 in-person delegates with over 1500 virtual participants from across the continent and the globe. attendees including Ministers, tourism officials, policymakers, SMMES, start-ups, students, entrepreneurs and government officials from Africa and the rest of the world.