The second day of Africa's Travel Indaba 2025 in Durban, South Africa, the continent's leading tourism fair, was marked by leadership speeches and promises of regional integration. South Africa's Vice President Paul Mashatile highlighted tourism as a “driver of economic, social and cultural transformation” in his speech during the official opening of the Trade Floor on Tuesday (13).
The event, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, brings together 1,000 international buyers, 1,300 exhibitors and representatives from 27 African countries. With the theme “Shaping Africa's Tomorrow Through Connection Today”, the fair takes place from May 12 to 15, with exhibitions open to the public from the second day.
Tourism as a pillar of African reconstruction
During his speech, Mashatile defended the idea that tourism can be the foundation of a more integrated and prosperous Africa. “Our sector serves as a significant economic engine, a catalyst for social change and a foundation for inclusive growth,” he said, highlighting the transformative role of African hospitality and cultural diversity.
The Vice President also highlighted the growth of the sector in South Africa, which in 2023 accounted for 8.9% of the country’s GDP and supported 1.6 million jobs. “We want to surpass the 2 million jobs mark in tourism by 2030. To achieve this, it is essential to open our skies, deepen partnerships and position Africa at the center of the global economy, where it belongs,” he argued.
African unity and the role of the AfCFTA
Mashatile highlighted the expected positive impact of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which can boost intra-African tourism. According to him, the movement of people and goods between countries on the continent is essential to “foster cultural understanding, strengthen local economies and promote regional integration”.
“African unity cannot be just a symbolic aspiration, it needs to be lived in the routes that connect our nations, in the businesses that cross borders, and in the tourism that brings our people together”, he declared.
African challenges and solutions
The vice president did not ignore the obstacles faced by Africa, such as inequality, conflict and climate change. For him, the answer lies in cooperation and the ancestral spirit of African resilience. “We cannot remain silent while the fabric of our societies is torn apart. This meeting must address the challenges and find lasting solutions.”
Mashatile evoked historical figures such as Jomo Kenyatta and the wisdom of ancestral peoples as a source of inspiration. “Our ancestors resisted adversity and became beacons of light. This heritage drives us forward.”
G20 and Africa’s international projection
When discussing the G20 Summit being held in South Africa later this year, the vice president pointed to the event as a historic opportunity. “As the only African member of the G20, we have a responsibility to defend the global South and secure investments for the continent’s future.”
An invitation to rediscover Africa
Closing his speech with a call to action, Mashatile concluded: “The future of Africa lies in Africans choosing Africa. We must explore neighboring countries with curiosity, commitment and love for our common identity.”
The Indaba 2025 program runs until May 15, closing at 5:30 p.m. The organizers expect to surpass the results of 2024 and consolidate the event as a strategic platform for African tourism on the global stage.
Report: Mary de Aquino.