By Onilede Titi Faith
The United Arab Emirates (UAE), has confirmed that Emirates Airline will participate in the Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE), slated for November in Abuja.
The Expo, organised by Afrocultour in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, recently received endorsement from the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Emirates’ participation reflects the UAE’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria and Africa in tourism, trade, and creative enterprise.
As one of the world’s leading carriers, the airline’s involvement underscores its role in advancing connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
In a confirmation letter to Afrocultour’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chuks Akamadu, the UAE Embassy expressed gratitude for the invitation and reaffirmed its support.
It noted that the Expo provides a strategic platform for deepening partnerships that promote sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The Expo will also launch “Agenda 2030,” a continental initiative aimed at raising Africa’s share of global trade from under 3% to 10% and increasing its 5% share of the $11 trillion global tourism revenue to 20% by 2030.
Organisers emphasise that these ambitious targets can be achieved by mainstreaming tourism, culture, and entertainment into Africa’s service sector, complemented by a peer review mechanism for countries to share strategies on emerging trends in tourism and the creative economy.
