The 19th edition of Meetings Africa commenced with a formidable discourse on Africa’s evolving role in global economic growth. The Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), a premier knowledge-sharing platform, featured a keynote address by His Excellency Albertus Aochamub, Namibia’s Ambassador to France, Spain,UNESCO and UN Tourism. His speech, titled The True Value of Africa’s Success, underscored the continent’s economic potential, emphasizing its influence on global trade, investment, and tourism.
Ambassador Aochamub set the tone with a compelling declaration: “Africa is no longer a distant promise; it is here, bold, ambitious, and unstoppable.” He challenged outdated perceptions of Africa as a continent in waiting, asserting that African nations are actively shaping industries, driving technological advancements, and influencing global markets.
With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, the continent is set to become a dominant force in global economic transformation. The Ambassador highlighted the impact of Africa’s youthful and skilled workforce, already reshaping industries such as fintech, renewable energy, and the creative economy. Innovations in mobile money, pioneered in Africa, have redefined global banking, while the African digital economy is expected to reach $180 billion by 2025.
In his address, Ambassador Aochamub called for a reimagined economic partnership with Africa.
“African countries do not seek aid; they seek trade. They do not request charity; they seek collaboration,” he stated. He emphasized the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest trade bloc in the world, connecting 1.4 billion consumers and offering unparalleled investment potential.
Despite holding 60% of the world’s solar energy potential and vast uncultivated arable land, Africa remains underutilized in global supply chains. The Ambassador stressed the need to unlock these resources through strategic partnerships and sustainable investments, positioning Africa as a key player in the global economic landscape.
Tourism is one of Africa’s strongest economic drivers, yet the continent captures less than 10% of global tourism revenue. Ambassador Aochamub called for a concerted effort to enhance infrastructure, develop digital marketing strategies, and improve aviation connectivity to elevate Africa as a premier travel destination.
He highlighted Africa’s diverse tourism offerings, from Namibia’s vast dunes to Zanzibar’s historic shores, urging industry stakeholders to invest in experiential, sustainable, and culturally immersive travel experiences. “Tourism is not just an industry; it is a bridge between economies, cultures, and continents,” he noted, emphasizing the sector’s potential to drive long-term economic prosperity.
Beyond traditional industries, Ambassador Aochamub drew attention to Africa’s blue economy, an underutilized sector with enormous potential. Africa boasts over 26,000 kilometers of coastline and 38 coastal nations, yet its maritime economy remains largely untapped. The fisheries sector alone is valued at over $24 billion annually, but challenges such as illegal fishing and underdeveloped port infrastructure hinder its full realization.
“The blue economy is not just Africa’s future; it is the world’s future,” he declared, outlining opportunities in offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and expanded port infrastructure. With sustainable investments, Africa’s maritime sector could contribute $576 billion to the continent’s economy by 2030.
Meetings Africa, owned by South African Tourism, continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering business event collaborations across the continent. The two-day trade show, complemented by BONDay, provides a space where exhibitors connect with international buyers, corporate planners, and industry associations.
Ambassador Aochamub’s address reinforced the event’s core mission: to position Africa as a leader in business tourism and economic development. “Africa’s success is not just an African story—it is a global opportunity. Those who invest in Africa today will shape the world tomorrow,” he concluded.
As Meetings Africa 2025 progresses, industry leaders remain optimistic about engaging in meaningful discussions, forging strategic partnerships, and advancing Africa’s agenda for economic resilience and global competitiveness.
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