As the world celebrates the 2025 International Women’s Day on 8th March under the theme “Accelerate Action,” women leaders in Africa’s tourism sector are adding their voices to the global call for progress. In this special feature, VoyagesAfriq presents a compilation of messages from influential women across the industry, sharing their insights, aspirations and commitments toward driving positive change. Their words serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role women play in shaping a more inclusive and resilient tourism sector for Africa and beyond.
Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Director, Regional Department for Africa, UN Tourism
“Women are the pulse of Africa’s tourism—visionary change-makers and resilient leaders who break boundaries, challenge norms, and forge sustainable futures. Their strength ignites progress, empowers communities, and inspires generations to rise and lead a more inclusive industry for all.”
H.E. Ms. Nabeela Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Republic of Sierra Leone
“Aligned with this year’s theme, the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WiTLAC) is dedicated to advocating for equal opportunities for women in tourism. We urge all stakeholders to commit to addressing key issues such as economic empowerment and leadership representation, and push for decisive action at the African Union where Member States must create opportunities that allow women to fully engage in and benefit from the tourism sector.”
H.E. Ms. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Republic of Kenya
“From hospitality to heritage preservation, women drive Africa’s tourism forward. Empowering them strengthens communities, fosters innovation, and ensures a more inclusive and resilient industry.”
H.E. Ms. Vivian Dewa, Minister of Tourism and Crafts, Republic of Madagascar
“Through their strength and creativity, women are transforming African tourism into authentic, sustainable experiences. Their equality and empowerment are the keys to a more inclusive and prosperous future.”
H.E. Ms. Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, Kingdom of Morocco
“Tourism in Africa has evolved through bold initiatives and destinations reimagining themselves, where women are stepping up, bringing innovation and leadership to shape a resilient and inclusive future.”
H.E. Ms. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria
“African women are at the heart of tourism, shaping experiences and preserving cultures. Their contributions are essential to inclusive tourism industry, gender equality and empowerment, which are key to overcoming global challenges and building resilient communities.”
H.E. Ms. Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, Republic of South Africa
“The tourism sector is well representative of women but as workers and not as much on a senior leadership or ownership level. Women must get equal pay for equal work. We must do more to achieve gender equality on all fronts in the tourism sector. Governments must also create legislation and policies to give effect to the UN Conventions they have signed to ensure gender equality and real empowerment of women.”
H.E. Ms. Pindi Hazara Chana, Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, United Republic of Tanzania
“We recognize the remarkable contributions of women in the tourism sector who are shaping the future through their innovative approaches, equality and empowerment to embrace opportunities that foster sustainable growth.’’
H.E. Ms. Heather Sibungo, Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Republic of Namibia
“Women are the backbone of Africa’s tourism sector, driving sustainable growth and cultural preservation. Empowering them ensures inclusive development and resilience in the face of global challenges.”
Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, UN Tourism
“Women’s leadership ignites social innovation, transforming community-based tourism and thriving startups. Together, we empower change, inspiring young leaders to shape a better and inclusive future.”
H.E. Ms. Abla Dzifa Gomashie
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts-Republic of Ghana
“Empowering women in tourism enriches and preserves the culture of societies, thereby strengthening economies, driving hospitality and determining travel experience.”
Ms. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director, UN Tourism
“Tourism helps to ensure rights, equality and empowerment for women and girls across Africa and around the world. Now more than ever we need to keep up our work to make gender equality in tourism a reality for ALL.”
H.E. Ms. Marie France Lydie Hélène Pongault
Minister of Cultural, Tourism, Arts and Leisure Industries, Republic of Congo
“On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the strength, resilience and talent of those who, through their commitment, shape a more just and equitable future. In the tourism sector, their creativity and leadership are helping to enhance our heritage and develop a more inclusive, sustainable future. Let’s continue to support and promote their essential role.”
H.E. Ms. Vera Kamtukule
Minister of Tourism, Republic of Malawi
“When women thrive in tourism, communities flourish, economies grow, and cultures are preserved. From entrepreneurs driving innovation to storytellers shaping our global narrative, the impact of women in tourism extends far beyond the industry—it transforms nations. This Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and leadership of women who make tourism a powerful force for inclusive development.
For us it shall always be: Everything. Everyone. Tourism.”
Chef Fatmata Binta, UN Tourism Ambassador
“Women are the heartbeat of African tourism, storytellers, custodians, and trailblazers. Empowering them fuels a future rich in heritage and opportunity.”
