The projected number of international tourists for 2024 is an impressive 1.53 billion, a notable increase from the previous year. The industry’s contribution to global GDP in 2023 stood at 10.6%, with an optimistic forecast of over 17.24% year-on-year growth for 2024. In terms of revenue, the sector is expected to generate approximately US $9.4 billion, reflecting robust recovery and growth prospects for travel and tourism.

READ ALSO: A Conservation Success Story for Savannah Wildlife in Rwanda

Why Wildlife Still Leads

Wildlife and safari tourism remain the cornerstone of Africa’s tourism industry. Countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, and Botswana attract millions annually with unrivalled opportunities to view the Big Five and other exotic species in their natural environments. According to the UNWTO, Africa’s tourism industry has rebounded significantly, achieving 88% of its pre-pandemic levels, with many destinations recording increased visitor numbers due to the continent’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Nonetheless, the wildlife sector faces increasing challenges. Over-tourism in certain regions has resulted in environmental degradation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices. Furthermore, wildlife tourism, though iconic, is vulnerable to global economic fluctuations and climate change, making diversification increasingly essential.

The Rise of New Attractions

Africa’s immense cultural and historical richness is becoming a central focus for travellers. Countries such as Uganda and Rwanda are transitioning from exclusive wildlife offerings to showcasing their diverse cultural heritage. Uganda, for example, has launched a rebranding campaign, “The Pearl of Africa,” spotlighting not only its wildlife but also its vibrant cultural experiences. From mountain gorilla trekking to exploring ancient traditions and historical landmarks, Uganda is positioning itself as a multi-dimensional destination.

Elsewhere, Egypt, Morocco, and Ethiopia are capitalising on their ancient monuments, historic cities, and indigenous traditions. The pyramids of Egypt, Morocco’s bustling souks, and Ethiopia’s Lalibela rock-hewn churches, all UNESCO World Heritage sites, are drawing tourists eager to connect with Africa’s profound cultural legacy. Governments are increasingly recognising the economic potential of these sites, investing in their preservation and promotion.

Emerging cultural destinations like Ghana, Senegal, and South Africa are also gaining prominence by shedding light on Africa’s colonial and post-colonial histories. The Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, a stark reminder of the transatlantic slave trade, has become a compelling destination for the African American diaspora, combining education with deep emotional resonance. Heritage tourism is thus playing a pivotal role in enriching Africa’s tourism offerings, adding depth and historical significance.

Africa’s Hidden Gems

As African nations broaden their tourism strategies, lesser-known destinations are captivating travellers. Rwanda, Namibia, and Uganda are emerging as adventure tourism hotspots, while islands like Seychelles and Mauritius enchant visitors with pristine beaches and luxury resorts.

Rwanda, often called the “land of a thousand hills,” exemplifies how smaller nations can thrive by focusing on unique, niche tourism products. The country’s ecotourism efforts, particularly its gorilla trekking experiences, have positioned it as a leading sustainable tourism destination, with significant contributions to its national economy.

Similarly, Zambia and Zimbabwe are spotlighting attractions beyond traditional safaris. Iconic sites such as Victoria Falls are now hubs for adventure, cultural, and wellness tourism. Countries like South Africa and Tunisia are also tapping into niche markets, such as medical tourism, offering high-quality healthcare services at competitive prices.

The Future of African Tourism

Africa’s tourism future lies in sustainable practices and innovative offerings that engage tourists meaningfully. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the fragility of the industry but also emphasised the importance of adopting sustainable travel models. In Africa, sustainable tourism entails balancing economic gains with protecting the continent’s rich natural resources.

Regions such as East and Southern Africa, renowned for their biodiversity, are prioritising eco-tourism. Others are focusing on rural tourism, creating economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. This shift towards authentic, low-impact travel ensures that local communities benefit from tourism revenues while preserving cultures and landscapes for future generations.

A New Wave

While cultural heritage, eco-tourism, and adventure travel redefine Africa’s tourism landscape, emerging health, wellness, and agritourism trends are also gaining momentum. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa are exploring wellness retreats and spa tourism, leveraging the continent’s natural beauty, clean air, and therapeutic landscapes. Meanwhile, agritourism, thriving in Ethiopia and South Africa, offers visitors the chance to experience rural life, farm-to-table dining, and agricultural education.

Africa’s tourism industry is undergoing a profound transformation. From cultural and heritage sites to burgeoning wellness and agritourism sectors, the continent is embracing new travel models that cater to a broader audience. Success will depend on enhancing these sectors while ensuring tourism benefits local communities and safeguards the environment.

As Africa moves into this new era of tourism, the focus is no longer solely on safaris and wildlife. The goal is to craft experiences that enrich both travellers and hosts, preserving Africa’s unique heritage while offering sustainable, transformative journeys.

The post Beyond Wildlife and Safaris: What’s Next for Africa’s Tourism? appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.

These trailblazers are not only shaping the continent’s future but also exporting African ingenuity to the world. Their stories form a tapestry of resilience, creativity, and ambition—a movement that breaks barriers, transcends borders, and redefines possibilities.

A 2024 report by the African Union Commission and the OECD highlights a critical gap: across 15 African countries, only 9% of youth aged 15–24 possess basic computer skills. Similarly, only 10% of the male workforce and 7% of the female workforce have these competencies. Enhancing digital literacy and technical expertise is essential for Africa to remain competitive in the global economy and to drive sustainable growth.

READ ALSO: Can Africa Achieve a STEM Education Revolution?

By 2030, young Africans are projected to constitute 42% of the global youth population and 75% of those under 35 within Africa. While this demographic boom presents an immense opportunity for economic growth, innovation, and job creation, it also underscores the pronounced skills gap in STEM fields—a challenge that must be addressed urgently.

To meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in engineering, healthcare, IT, and other vital sectors, Africa will require an additional 23 million STEM graduates by 2030 to fill key roles.

From Baobab Roots to Silicon Heights

African innovators in STEM draw inspiration from the continent’s rich traditions and inherent resilience. Like the sturdy baobab tree, their ideas are deeply rooted in African soil, yet their branches extend globally.

The late Dr Wangari Maathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and biologist, epitomised this ethos by blending scientific principles with grassroots activism. Her efforts earned Africa its first Nobel Peace Prize and continue to inspire scientists addressing climate change through green technology innovations.

In Ethiopia, Dr Segenet Kelemu, a molecular plant pathologist, has revolutionised agricultural science. As the first African woman to lead the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), she has tackled food insecurity by promoting eco-friendly pest control solutions, influencing agricultural research worldwide.

Guiding the Future

Across the continent, STEM icons illuminate the path for a new generation of thinkers and creators. Silas Adekunle, the Nigerian robotics engineer behind the world’s first gaming robot, is one such beacon. His company, Reach Robotics, redefined the intersection of robotics and entertainment, capturing the interest of investors globally.

In Rwanda, Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, is steering the nation towards a digital renaissance. Initiatives like the Kigali Innovation City showcase Rwanda’s transformation into a technological hub, exemplifying how policy and science can synergise to drive economic growth.

Bridges of Knowledge

Africa’s STEM pioneers are bridge-builders, connecting local challenges to global opportunities. Dr Cheick Modibo Diarra, a Malian astrophysicist and former NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory engineer, exemplifies this spirit. His work on interplanetary missions, such as the Mars Pathfinder, inspires African youth to view the universe as a canvas for exploration. After his tenure at NASA, he returned to Africa to champion education and technology, proving that global impact and local development can coexist.

Similarly, in healthcare, Dr Ola Brown, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, is closing critical healthcare gaps through aviation. Her air ambulance services dramatically reduce medical response times in remote areas, blending engineering, logistics, and medicine to save lives and foster global health-tech partnerships.

Mining Africa’s STEM Potential

Africa’s digital revolution is driven by innovators who see data as the new frontier of wealth creation. Dr Nneile Nkholise, a South African mechanical engineer, has harnessed data in creating 3D-printed prosthetics through her company, iMed Tech. Her work addresses healthcare infrastructure challenges, enhancing lives and showcasing the potential of digital fabrication technologies on the continent.

Dr Rebecca Enonchong, a Cameroonian tech entrepreneur, further demonstrates how data can propel inclusive growth. Her company, AppsTech, has delivered enterprise software solutions to over 50 countries, affirming Africa’s capability to export technological expertise.

STEM Stars

Mentorship and education are twin engines propelling African STEM leaders onto the global stage. Initiatives such as Africa Code Week, supported by global partners, have trained over 10 million young Africans in coding and programming since 2015. These programmes ensure that the brilliance of STEM luminaries continues to inspire aspiring innovators.

For example, Ghana’s Ivy Barley founded Developers in Vogue to empower African women with tech skills, addressing gender disparity in STEM. Her work enables a generation of women to shatter glass ceilings with algorithms and code.

Africa must invest in its STEM ecosystem to sustain this wave of innovation. Currently, the continent contributes less than 1% of global scientific research output, according to UNESCO. This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for greater funding and institutional support. Initiatives such as the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA-2024) aim to address this gap, but progress requires concerted efforts from governments, private sectors, and international partners.

Writing the Next Chapter

The story of African icons in STEM is one of resilience, ingenuity, and boundless potential. By addressing local challenges with solutions of global relevance, they are shaping a future where African innovation takes centre stage in tackling humanity’s greatest problems. The baobab of African STEM has taken root, and its branches will only grow stronger, shading the world with the promise of progress.

The post African Icons in STEM: Leading Innovation Beyond Borders appeared first on African Leadership Magazine.