…Sees tourism as strong driver of continent’s transformation
The UN Tourism has joined the global community, citizens and lovers of Africa to celebrate this year’s Africa Day.
In his message for the occasion, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general, UN Tourism, noted that the remarkable celebration, which is commemorated every May 25th, celebrates the continent’s cultural richness, its youth-driven dynamism, and its growing leadership on the global stage.
“On this Africa Day, we come together to honour the strength, resilience, and shared identity of Africa and its people across the world,” Pololikashvili said.
He also noted that the theme for the 2025 edition calls on everyone to reflect on the past while working to shape a more equitable future.
“This theme is not only about history, but also about building a world where dignity, inclusion, and opportunity are extended to all, and where no one is left behind. Justice is an ongoing effort and one that demands bold partnerships and transformative action,” the secretary-general noted.
However, he insisted that tourism can be one of the strongest drivers of that transformation globally, especially in Africa.
“It connects people across cultures and continents. It creates jobs, especially for young people and women. It fosters understanding, pride, and belonging. And when developed in the right way, sustainably and inclusively, tourism can help address inequalities and open doors to opportunity for those who need it most”.
He disclosed that the UN Tourism believes in Africa’s tourism potential. “Africa’s history, traditions, landscapes, and communities have so much to offer the world. But for tourism to be truly impactful, it must serve African people first.
That means building systems that are fair. Investing in skills that empower. Supporting creativity and entrepreneurship. And ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared broadly and justly”.
“Across the continent, we are seeing inspiring efforts to use tourism as a force for renewal, to support education, preserve cultural heritage, and create meaningful livelihoods”.
These efforts, according to him, are driven by a new generation of leaders, many of whom are using technology, art, and innovation to reimagine Africa’s place in the global tourism economy.
“At UN Tourism, we are proud to stand alongside African nations and communities in this journey. Through partnerships rooted in trust and mutual respect, we are committed to ensuring that tourism contributes not just to growth, but to justice – to a future where every traveller, every host, and every destination has a stake in progress”.
As the global tourism community marks the 50th anniversary of UN Tourism, the secretary general called on everyone to recommit to a vision of tourism that uplifts, empowers, and unites.
“Let us seize this moment to reimagine tourism as a force for fairness, and to ensure that the future we build reflects the hopes, voices, and leadership of all Africans and people of African descent,” he concluded in the message, while wishing everyone a happy Africa Day.
Africa Day celebration is organised by the African Union everyone May 25th. This year’s edition holds on the theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” and it honours the memory of those who suffered under slavery and colonialism, while asserting the right of Africa and its diaspora to truth, justice, and restoration.
