Akwaaba African Travel Market 2025 to Attract Record Airline Participation, Over 3,000 Delegates in Lagos
The 21st edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market (AFTM) will take centre stage in Lagos from 14th to 16th September 2025, with industry giants Air Peace, Lagos State, Gambia, Wakanow, and Interswitch unveiled as key partners for this year’s landmark event.
Set to be hosted at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, the exhibition is recognised as West Africa’s only international travel and tourism fair and one of the largest gatherings of its kind in Africa.
Organisers have promised a historic edition, with the event poised to host the largest collection of airlines ever assembled at a travel expo on the continent. This development underscores Akwaaba’s growing influence as a platform for aviation connectivity, tourism promotion, and intra-African business collaboration.
Over 3,000 delegates are expected to converge on Lagos for the three-day event. Participants will include tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, insurance companies, logistics providers, government officials, international buyers, and global industry professionals.
The exhibition will also run concurrently with the 5th Chinet Aviacargo Conference, creating synergy between the tourism and air cargo sectors.
The event’s programmes have been designed to balance business, cultural celebration, and knowledge exchange. Day One, Sunday 14th September, will kick off with exhibitions and the grand opening ceremony, followed by the much-anticipated Jollof Rice War – a culinary showdown celebrating West Africa’s iconic dish.
Later in the evening, the Top 100 Hotel Awards and the prestigious Travellers Awards will cap the day’s proceedings.
On Monday 15th September, the focus will shift to trade engagement, with B2B sessions, country day showcases, and product launches.
The Domestic Tourism Session, part of the African Tourism Conference, will highlight opportunities within the region, while the Women in Tourism Conference will address inclusion and empowerment in the sector. The day will culminate with the Africa Travel 100 Awards and an East African cocktail evening.
The final day, Tuesday 16th September, will spotlight business development, beginning with the Insurance Conference in the morning, followed by the Cargo and Export Conference at midday, and concluding with the Youth Tourism Conference in the evening. Exhibitions will continue throughout the day.
Since its inception, Akwaaba has grown into a global platform for networking, investment opportunities, cultural promotion, and policy dialogue.
Over the years, it has attracted leading African destinations, international travel brands, and prominent stakeholders seeking to tap into Africa’s vast tourism and aviation potential.
Speaking ahead of the event, the organisers emphasised Akwaaba’s significance: “Akwaaba continues to be the melting pot of Africa’s tourism, aviation, and hospitality industries. With strong partnerships from leading players such as Air Peace, Lagos State, Gambia, Wakanow and Interswitch, this edition will once again showcase Africa’s potential as the world’s next tourism frontier.”
The 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market is expected to cement Lagos’ position as Africa’s premier tourism and business hub, while also creating greater opportunities for airlines, hospitality operators, and local entrepreneurs in the ever-evolving travel industry.
