Speech by the Executive Secretary of the ECA at the Official Launch of the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (2024-2034)
Your Excellency, Dr. Workneh Gebeyeh, Executive Secretary of IGAD
Your Excellency, Ambassador Nasise Chali, Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia
Honourable Ministers from IGAD Member States,
Mr Vincent Bwire, representing Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya
Distinguished Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is an honour to join you today for the ministerial session of the launch the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan, 2024-2034.
I wish to extend my appreciation to the governments of Ethiopia and all IGAD member states, and to the partners who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life.
I also particularly wish to extend my thanks to the Executive Secretary of IGAD for the excellent coordination and leadership in furtherance of IGAD’s objectives.
Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
The complex macroeconomic, climate and access to financing challenges facing Africa today demand that we must leverage all our resources for economic development.
Shrinking economic space that has seen nearly 40 per cent of African countries in high or at risk of high debt distress is further compounded by unpredictable climate events that is now eroding an average of 5 per cent of GDP annually.
We do not have the luxury of seeing the tourism sector just as any simple industry.
On the contrary, it is a gateway to economic prosperity, cultural exchange and sustainable development and it holds great potential for Ethiopia, and the IGAD region.
It is also a source of significant job creation for Africa’s bulging youth.
Let me provide some global context.
In 2019, international tourist arrivals reached 1.5 billion, contributing nearly US$9 trillion to the global economy.
Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to a 67 per cent decline, the sector has demonstrated its resilience.
For Africa, we reached 92 per cent of pre-crisis tourist levels by 2023, contributing significantly to GDP and employment.
Moreover, Africa’s travel and tourism market is projected to reach revenues of $23.37 billion by 2024, growing at 7.49 per cent.
We cannot, therefore, argue with the reality that the IGAD region is uniquely positioned to benefit from this growth prospect.
Each IGAD country – Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda – is richly endowed with unique tourism assets.
From Djibouti’s stunning Lake Assal and volcanic landscapes to Kenya’s world-renowned safari parks, to Uganda’s mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Eritrea boasts the striking modernist architecture of Asmara, while Somalia’s rich coastline holds untapped potential for beach tourism. South Sudan offers the majestic beauty of Boma National Park, and Sudan’s ancient Nubian pyramids wields enormous historical significance.
There is also no reason why Ethiopia, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, cannot be a tourism champion, not just in this region but globally.
This is not a pie in the sky dream when you consider the significant qualities of being the birthplace of coffee, home to Lucy, one of the oldest hominid skeletons ever found and its rock- hewn churches.
Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
The vision laid out in the Masterplan should not be insurmountable to achieve.
It however requires intentional actions that will unlock the capabilities of the tourism sector to drive sustainable growth and development.
To begin with, infrastructure development is crucial.
Well-developed transport systems, (especially air transport), improved connectivity, including broadband, hotels, conference infrastructure and increased energy capacity remain central ingredients for the tourism sector to thrive.
The importance of technological readiness cannot be overestimated. It is pivotal for innovation, trade, skills development and ensuring operational efficiency.
It is important, therefore, that we take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area because it offers win-win opportunities for regional tourism.
When we expand logistics infrastructure, we increase volumes of trade, including within the tourism sector, meaning more resources for countries.
Finally, governments must leverage the productive potential of the private sector. The multiple crises African countries are confronting mean that governments cannot do development alone.
But the private sector will need the right incentives for public private partnerships that deliver results.
Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
Yesterday we launched the Ethiopian Tourism Satellite Account. We have also launched similar for other countries.
This is just one tool that the Economic Commission for Africa has developed to help countries measure their tourism’s contributions to GDP, employment, and investment, because data is the cornerstone for growth.
We are also working with governments to undertake de-risking analytics that will support better investment decisions.
Thus, today’s meeting is not just about launching a plan.
It is about building a coalition of stakeholders, from political leadership to private sector actors, and from regional to international partners, all of whom have a role to play in bringing this vision to life.
There is no reason why we cannot compete with France’s Eiffel Tower or the United States’ Statue of Liberty.
As such, the effective implementation of the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan can ensure that the entire region flourishes as a top destination for global travelers.
And the ECA remains fully committed to working hand in hand with governments to turn this vision into reality.
Finally, I would like to conclude with the pleasure of informing you that on 21 October, Ethiopia will add another jewel to its tourism offerings with the re-inauguration of the Africa Hall, the birthplace of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, and a pan-African symbol donated by Emperor Haile Selassie.
You are all invited to this momentous occasion. Come join us as we re-write history.
Thank you.