Walk For Love Africa Summit 2024 Highlights Urgent Need for Intra-Africa Travel Connectivity
By Chindaya Ahmadu
The Radisson Blu Ikeja, Lagos played host to the esteemed Walk For Love Africa Summit 2024 on Thursday, March 28, 2024, where stakeholders convened to address the critical issue of intra-Africa travel connectivity. Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun, emphasizing the continent’s aviation challenges, quoted, “Africa is the least connected region by air in the world.”
Under the distinguished theme of “Intra-Africa Travel and Tourism Ecosystem,” the summit convened an array of industry experts, government officials, and stakeholders. The keynote address by Hon. Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, underscored the imperative of initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) in unlocking Africa’s tourism potential.
Founder of Walk For Love Africa, Toni Ukachukwu, expressed gratitude to attendees and emphasized the summit’s commitment to promoting intra-Africa travel and tourism collaboration. The panel discussion moderated by Tayo Orisadare, Director of Government Affairs (Ministry of Tourism), Green Africa, delved into lowering barriers to migration, tourism, and trade within Africa.
Panelists including Paola Pace (Dep. Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration), Susan Akporiaye (President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies), Ademola Sanya (President, SKAL Lagos), and Cuthbert Ncube (Chairman, Africa Tourism Board) discussed practical measures to facilitate seamless intra-Africa travel and promote economic integration.
The summit concluded with a resounding call to action, urging continued collaboration and cooperation in realizing the continent’s tourism potential. As participants departed with renewed determination, they carried forward the spirit of love, unity, and hope for a brighter future for Africa.
*Chindaya Ahmadu is Director, Press, Min.of Tourism/Min. Of Arts,Culture,and Creative Economy.
