The Federal Government on Wednesday inaugurated the Local Organizing Committee for the forthcoming Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo, scheduled to take place from November 24 to 25, 2025. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Abuja.
Strategic Initiative for Economic Growth
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mukhtar Yawale Muhammad, emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic step toward positioning Africa’s cultural, creative, and tourism sectors as drivers of economic growth, regional integration, and global competitiveness. He noted that the Expo, themed “Optimizing Africa’s Comparative and Competitive Advantage for Accelerated Trade and Economic Growth,” will serve as a platform for engaging policymakers, investors, innovators, and creators across the continent.
Muhammad charged the committee to deliver a world-class event that showcases Africa’s rich heritage and creative potential. He stressed the importance of collaboration, transparency, and professionalism in the planning process.
Committee Pledges High-Impact Expo
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mallam Denja Abdullahi, pledged the committee’s readiness to deliver a high-impact Expo. He revealed that the event would unveil “Agenda 2030,” a continental framework aimed at increasing Africa’s contribution to global trade from 2% to 10% by the end of the decade through strategic investments in tourism and the creative economy.
Abdullahi commended the commitment of the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, whom he credited with driving several innovative, data-led reforms within the sector. He explained that the LOC had already begun engaging key stakeholders across Africa, including government agencies and private sector actors, to ensure full participation at the Expo.
Activities and Partnerships
Activities lined up for the event include exhibitions, trade fairs, investment workshops, cultural displays, B2B meetings, and a peer review mechanism for African countries. “As a committee, we’re determined to deliver a measurable, scalable, and impactful event that will not only celebrate Africa’s creative power but also boost intra-African trade under the AfCFTA framework,” Abdullahi said.
The Ministry assured its continued support for the committee throughout the planning and execution of the Expo, which is being organized in partnership with Afrocultour Nigeria Ltd.
