Africa’s Tourism Industry to Create Over 80 Million Jobs in the Next Decade~ CBAAC

Africa’s tourism industry is set for exponential growth, with projections indicating the creation of over 80 million new jobs within the next ten years, according to the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC).

This projection was announced by the Director-General of CBAAC, Aisha Augie, during an international conference held in Lagos. The two-day event was hosted in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Lagos and the Institute of African and Diaspora Studies (IADS), with the theme “Cultural Tourism, Creative Economy and Sustainable Development in Africa.”

As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Augie emphasized that tourism remains a major lever for economic growth and transformation across the continent.

Quoting data from the World Travel and Tourism Council, Aisha Augie revealed that Africa’s tourism industry contributed an estimated $168 billion to the continent’s GDP in 2024. She added that beyond the figures, the industry reflects the livelihoods, aspirations, and resilience of millions of Africans.

“Our festivals like Ojude Oba, Osun-Osogbo, Calabar Carnival, and the northern durbars are more than cultural displays, they are immersive economic experiences,” she said. “Visitors are not just tourists; they are active participants, investors, and storytellers.”