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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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:

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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

13. Thank you