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Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit Rescheduled for June 2025 in Nairobi Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit Rescheduled for June 2025 in Nairobi

The 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge, originally planned for early June, has been rescheduled to take place from Tuesday, June 24 to Friday, June 27, 2025. Organized by Africa Tourism Partners in collaboration with key stakeholders, the Summit will be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, providing a unique platform for African youth to connect, innovate, and grow within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

This year’s theme, “Creating Innovative Entrepreneurship Pathways and Intra-Africa Business Connections for African Youth”, reflects the Summit’s focus on empowering young African entrepreneurs and fostering collaboration across the continent. As the tourism sector embraces the 4th Industrial Revolution, the event will highlight how technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing tourism-related businesses and creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

A Marketplace for Networking and Business Opportunities

The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit is more than just a conference—it is a vibrant marketplace for meaningful networking and collaboration. Over four days, participants will benefit from:

  • Match-making opportunities to explore new business ventures in Kenya and the wider East African region.
  • A youth employability and career development clinic to prepare young professionals for the tourism and hospitality industries.
  • Intra-Africa market access for youth entrepreneurs, fostering cross-border collaboration and trade within the continent.
  • Workshops on investment sourcing and project financing for tourism start-ups and emerging businesses.
  • Masterclasses for entrepreneurs, focusing on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) and other growth areas in tourism.

Participants are encouraged to register now at www.youthtourismsummit.com to secure their spot and leverage this platform for business growth, knowledge sharing, and learning from industry leaders.

Spotlight on the Innovation Challenge

A key highlight of the Summit is the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge, a competition designed to showcase and celebrate innovation in tourism, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. African youth from sectors such as technology, fintech, tourism and hospitality, and education are invited to participate. The deadline for entries has been extended to 14 March 2025.

The Challenge offers an unparalleled opportunity for young entrepreneurs to present their ideas and solutions to a panel of industry experts. The top five finalists will be announced on June 27, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the Summit in Nairobi. These finalists will gain access to invaluable mentorship, funding opportunities, and partnerships to scale their businesses and projects.

Opportunities for Exhibitors and Stakeholders

The Summit also opens its doors to global exhibitors and tourism stakeholders. Aspiring exhibitors are invited to register via the official website to secure desktop exhibition space, allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their brands, products, and services to an audience of potential partners and clients from across Africa and beyond.

Additional opportunities include:

  • B2B (Business-to-Business), B2G (Business-to-Government), and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) sessions for targeted matchmaking and partnerships.
  • One-on-one meetings with key decision-makers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
  • Speed marketing sessions to pitch innovative ideas and products.
  • Dedicated platforms for brand activation and visibility at the event.

Collaborative Efforts for a Transformative Summit

The 2025 Summit is a collaborative effort involving Africa Tourism Partners, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and BDO, alongside host partners including Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, TEAMS Africa, and the Kenya Tourism Board. Together, these organizations aim to create a transformative platform that drives innovation, youth empowerment, and sustainable growth across Africa’s tourism sector.

Why Nairobi?

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, is a fitting host for the Summit. As a dynamic hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa, the city offers endless opportunities for networking and collaboration. Kenya’s flourishing tourism sector, rich cultural heritage, and growing emphasis on sustainable practices make Nairobi a prime location for an event of this magnitude.

Opportunities for African Travel Professionals

The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit presents a wealth of opportunities for African travel agents and tour operators. By participating in the event, travel professionals can network with young innovators and entrepreneurs, explore new markets, and discover cutting-edge solutions to enhance their businesses.

Additionally, the Summit provides a platform to promote intra-Africa travel by building partnerships that encourage cross-border tourism. Travel professionals can also engage in workshops and masterclasses to gain insights into emerging trends like AI-driven travel solutions, sustainable tourism, and investment sourcing for tourism projects.

Looking Ahead

The 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge promises to be a game-changing event for the continent’s youth and tourism sectors. With its focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, the Summit is poised to shape the future of African tourism while empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.

For anyone in the travel, tourism, or hospitality industries, this is a must-attend event. Register now at www.youthtourismsummit.com and be part of a movement that is driving Africa’s tourism sector into a new era of growth and opportunity.