This year’s edition, themed “Sustainable Tourism Growth: Unlocking Africa’s Potential,” will spotlight intra-African collaboration and sustainable tourism development.
According to Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, the expo marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s tourism transformation journey.“MKTE 2025 must be a pan-African endeavour. It reflects not just Kenya’s milestones, but the collective progress of African tourism stakeholders,” said PS Ololtuaa during a stakeholder engagement event on Monday. He noted MKTE’s role in fostering regional partnerships and opening new markets for local tourism players.
MKTE 2025 will host 200 high-quality international buyers, 400 exhibitors, and thousands of tourism stakeholders for three days of networking, deal-making, and dialogue. It will also integrate the Africa Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) to address key sector challenges such as access to capital for MSMEs.
The PS emphasized that with Africa contributing 40.8% of Kenya’s international arrivals in 2024, regional partnerships are vital for the sector’s growth. “We must break competition barriers and forge ahead as partners,” he urged.
Kenya Tourism Board Chairman Francis Gichaba said the expo’s 15th anniversary offers a reflection on Kenya’s role in regional tourism leadership. KTB CEO June Chepkemei announced enhanced digital matchmaking systems and sustainability frameworks for MKTE 2025, building on the success of the 2024 edition that attracted 4,000 delegates.
Kenya Association of Travel Agents CEO Nicanor Sabula lauded the inclusion of ATIF, noting it would open investment opportunities for tourism businesses across Africa.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Africa’s tourism sector is expected to grow by 6.5 percent annually over the next decade, potentially contributing US$350 billion to the continent’s economy.