NEPAD Work on Sustainable Tourism MEETING OF THE MINISTERIAL WORKING GROUP ON THE TOURISM SECTOR DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR AFRICA: AU AGENDA 2063 SEYCHELLES, 13-14 MARCH 2014 by Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, Director of Programme Implementation and Coordination, NEPAD Agency

Summary of Presentation Tourism and Africa’s Development AU-NEPAD Tourism Action Plan (TAP) Goals and Objectives of TAP TAP Focus Areas Progress of TAP Implementation Tourism and Agenda 2063 Review of TAP Conclusion

Tourism and Africa’s Development Africa is endowed with huge environmental assets, natural resources and cultural heritage Natural resources contributed greatly to the continents economic growth for the past decade, with an average growth of 5.2% annually Contribution was higher than the global average of 4.2% in the past decade Tourism contributes to the economic growth of the continent (diversification and foreign exchange earnings) About US$43.6 Billion international tourism receipts in 2012 in Africa

AU-NEPAD Tourism Action Plan (TAP) AU recognized the contribution of tourism in the continent. Thus, strategic interventions in tourism was necessary to catalyze growth in other areas of the economy (agriculture, horticulture and the service sector) AU-NEPAD Tourism Action Plan (TAP) was developed under the guidance of the African Ministers of Tourism, who meet annually under the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) Commission for Africa (CAF) TAP was adopted at the 3rd General Assembly of the African Union (AU) in July 2004 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Background:

Goals and Objectives of TAP ; Goals and Objectives of TAP Goal: To contribute to the socio-economic development of the continent, particularly through the diversification of African economies and generation of foreign exchange earnings Key Objectives of the TAP Identify key “anchor” projects at the national and sub-regional levels, which will generate significant spin-offs and assist in promoting economic integration Develop research capacity in tourism Promote partnerships such as those formed through Regional Economic Communities, private sector and partners

TAP Focus Areas Policies and regulatory environment; Institutional capacity; Tourism marketing; Research and development; Investment in tourism infrastructure and products, and Human resources and quality assurance. Focus Areas

TAP Implementation Key Achievements Contributed to growing international tourist arrivals in Africa Contributed to the “Future We Want” Rio+ 20 Decision on Sustainable Tourism Development and adoption of the TAP at the highest political level Establishment and inaugural meeting of the Tourism Ministerial Committee for TAP Development of Draft Guidelines for Tourism Investment Promotion in SADC South Africa Tourism Ndaba (Consultative Forum) Key Achievements

TAP Implementation Key Achievements The NEPAD Cities Programme: Seven Cities (Bamako, Douala, Durban, Lagos, Lusaka, Nairobi and Rabat) Has strong rural linkages and a symbiotic relationship with its hinterland and beyond Contributes to regional integration and creation of a critical mass for profitable investment (exports diversification and infrastructure improvements) Key Achievements

Challenges Environmental Climate Change Natural Disasters Security Conflicts Terrorism Governance Unclear policies, rules & regulations Corruption Inadequate Infrastructure Human Resource Capacity

Tourism and Agenda 2063 Agenda 2063: “A Prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development” Inclusive growth must create jobs (70% the continent’s population is below 25, which is 37% of labour force) That is about 60% of total unemployment in Africa How do we build on the achievements from TAP implementation and other initiatives towards Agenda 2063?

Review of TAP Review of TAP for its revitalization, 10 years after inception Convene an expert meeting to validate review report Develop an updated Tourism Action Plan for Africa (to support the objectives of Agenda 2063) Identify centres of excellence for knowledge sharing and exchange (youths visits) Conduct capacity development training

Conclusion There is need to: strengthen the Africa platform for sharing experiences Identify potentials for job creation through touristic activities- Value Chain; Green Jobs Document good experiences and best practices for peer learning Better coordinate and monitor tourism developments in the continent Adopt a code of Conduct &Ethics for tourism

Thank you