East Africa’s Tourism Faces Fragility Amid Political Upheaval and Infrastructure Gaps
The close of 2025 brought a dramatic shift for Madagascar’s tourism sector, as the country was rocked by a sudden political crisis. The removal of President Andry Rajoelina, following weeks of youth-led protests over persistent water and power shortages, culminated in a military takeover in mid-October. Demonstrations swept through Antananarivo and other cities, and the government responded with internet shutdowns in several key tourist regions, sending shockwaves through the industry.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the impact was immediate and severe: nearly 80 percent of bookings were cancelled between October and December, affecting hotels, tour operators, guides, and restaurants. Madagascar, which had only just regained its pre-pandemic visitor numbers with a record 308,275 international arrivals in 2024, saw its recovery stall. The government launched a rapid communication campaign—featuring television adverts, travel influencers, and partnerships with artists—to reassure the world that the island remained open for business. Yet, beneath the surface, the numbers told a different story, with operators bracing for stagnation or even a slight decline in 2026. The uncertainty of the political environment has made tour operators wary of taking risks, and the ongoing presence of violence and unresolved infrastructure issues, such as chronic power cuts, continue to undermine confidence in the destination.
In stark contrast, Tanzania experienced a tourism boom in 2024, surpassing 5.3 million visitors—a 33 percent increase year-on-year. The country’s national parks, Zanzibar’s beaches, and Kilimanjaro treks drew travelers from around the globe, generating \$4 billion in tourism revenue and cementing tourism as Tanzania’s top source of foreign currency. This success is credited to a robust promotional strategy, a strong social media presence, and the introduction of a simplified electronic visa. The government is now targeting 8 million visitors by 2030, focusing on diversifying its tourism offerings. However, the rapid growth has exposed cracks: infrastructure is struggling to keep pace, with some park roads becoming impassable and certain sites suffering from overcrowding. Recent electoral tensions have also cast a shadow over the sector’s momentum.
Meanwhile, Rwanda has carved out a niche in premium tourism, attracting 1.36 million visitors in 2024. The country’s focus on high-end experiences—such as gorilla trekking permits priced at \$1,500—has yielded \$647 million in revenue, with a significant portion coming from conference and convention tourism. Rwanda’s immaculate roads, designer hotels, and the construction of a new airport in Bugesera are part of its strategy to position itself as a showcase for African luxury tourism. Yet, this model remains fragile, heavily reliant on a handful of source markets and the country’s reputation for safety.
Kenya also set a new record with 2.39 million visitors in 2024, generating \$3.1 billion in revenue and supporting over 1.1 million direct jobs. The government’s ambitions for 2025 include reaching 3 million tourists, leveraging a diversified offer that spans safaris, coastal tourism, business travel, and even emerging wine tourism circuits near Mount Kenya. However, the depreciation of the shilling is squeezing margins, and infrastructure gaps persist, particularly in remote regions.
Elsewhere, Mozambique welcomed around 870,000 tourists, mainly from neighboring countries, but revenues stagnated at \$221 million—far below the potential of its rich coastline. Despite connectivity and security challenges, the Bazaruto Islands and northern reserves continue to attract visitors, and authorities are optimistic, introducing visa exemptions and new promotional taxes to boost the sector.
For Uganda, 2024 marked a milestone: 1.37 million tourists and \$1.28 billion in revenue, the first time the country surpassed the billion-dollar mark. Uganda is leveraging its gorilla tourism, affordable safaris, and a growing community-based tourism sector, supported by modernized infrastructure and electronic visas. The government has made tourism a strategic priority through 2029, aiming to sustain this upward trajectory.
Despite these successes, the region’s tourism sector remains highly sensitive to shocks. Political instability, as seen in Madagascar, can swiftly unravel years of progress. Heavy dependence on foreign visitors, infrastructure bottlenecks, and uneven distribution of tourism revenues further expose vulnerabilities. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, with cyclones, droughts, and coastal erosion threatening the very assets that draw visitors.
For Africa’s tourism professionals, these developments underscore the urgent need for stability, investment in resilient infrastructure, and a more equitable sharing of tourism’s benefits. The region’s allure is undeniable, but its future as a sustainable tourism powerhouse will depend on how effectively these challenges are addressed in the years ahead.
