Lagos-
As the UN Tourism Executive Council (35 Countries) Meets on May 30th in Madrid, Spain to propose the need to General Assembly for a new election for the Secretary General, the race for the positioning intensifies.
Unfortunately, Africa stands at a critical crossroads, in the elections, this time having two candidates in the race among four others but three candidates: incumbent Zurab Pololikashvili (Georgia), Gloria Guevara (Mexico) and Harry Theoharis ( Greece) appearing formidable.
From the look of things, the African candidates don’t appear strong enough to race in this daunting positioning, but is imperative for African voting delegates (11 African Tourism Ministers) to start making strategic choice that will safeguard the continent’s future in global tourism governance.
Zurab seeks a third term, having achieved some strategic uplifting measures for Africa. Gloria, with her industry experience at WTTC, her commitment to Africa should be a priorities. Harry, with his great performance in his native but relatively new in the global tourism space needs to be perfected to impact Africa.
The concern however is that Africa’s candidates in this race, Muhammad Adam, a Ghanaian Diplomat and Habib Ammar, an Executive at Tunisia Tourism Ministry reflect persistent disunity, self interest, and short term thinking among African tourism stakeholders. It is a repeat of history recalling how Zimbabwe’s former Tourism Minister, Walter Mzembi narrowly lost to Zurab in the previous elections, with Africa failing to close ranks.
It’s either the candidates are not reaching out to the larger African audience for support or those in the organizations taking or stakeholders taking unilateral decisions to support outsiders as the case has always been. This mistake must never happen again.
The African Union, through the Office of H.E Moses Vilakati, the acting Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, industry and Minerals (ETTIM), must start preparing for that future now because a clear, coordinated strategy is needed to groom future African candidates, in order to build global alliances, and ensure sustainable lobbying efforts for the entire continent to support such candidates.
Africa’s historical role, including Nigeria’s early contributions to UN Tourism’s formation, must be leveraged to demand fairer representation, and I am bold to say that the continent deserves to produce future Secretary General, achieving such is to ensure a strategic necessity for continental economic sovereignty and global influence.
For now, Africa’s ministers must vote wisely, choosing a candidate with a true global vision and a commitment to Africa’s tourism growth. Beyond May, however, Africa must get serious about claiming its place at the top table, because the future we envision will not wait for us.
Africa must move beyond the sad reality of fragmentation unity and shortsightednes that have plagued its pursuit of international leadership positions in global organizations. It is disheartening that, despite the continent’s enormous tourism potential, Africa yet again has no viable candidate in the race for the Secretary General of UN Tourism. This failure stems from lack of strategic planning, individual agreed, and divisions among African tourism stakeholders, a situation that must be urgently looked into for the future of the continent.
Why Africa Must Act Now
Zimbabwe’s Walter Mzembi was extremely close to emerging, but lost to Zurab Pololikashvili by just two votes. Mzembi’s loss was not because he lacked the vision or competence, but the support. I recall listening to his engaging speech at the 58th CAF meeting in Abidjan, 2016, my hope for a brighter chance for Africa was at the brim, only for it to be dashed at some point because stakeholders failed to unite behind him. This loss must serve as a painful reminder that “united we stand, divided we fall”.
Our voting Ministers must ensure that the next Secretary General, at a minimum, guarantee that Africa’s aspiration for leadership is institutionalized. A blueprint must be drawn immediately after the election to ensure an African candidate is fully prepared, supported, and endorsed globally when the next opportunity arises.
The Steps Forward for Africa
- Continental Tourism Summit: Convene a high level summit to deliberate on Africa’s international tourism strategy, involving national tourism boards, private sector stakeholders, academia, and civil society.
- African Candidate Pipeline: Create a “ leadership Development Program “ for global tourism governance, identifying and grooming at least three strong African candidates for the future.
- Strategic Partnership: African countries must begin to form alliances not just within the continent, but also with the Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East and Asia regions often sympathetic to Africa’s cause.
- AU’s Active Campaigning Role: Beyond continental solidarity, the African Union must begin proactive diplomatic lobbying for African candidates, ensuring international visibility long before election seasons.
- Leveraging Historical Contributions: Nigeria’s historic role in supporting the UNWTO’s early development must be revisited and utilized to renew Africa’s claim for leadership.
- Power Houses Group: Regional Power Houses must form a core group to drive the new continental tourism agenda.
As African Ministers of Tourism prepare to vote, they must remember that this election is not just about who occupies the office for the next four years, it is about Africa’s rightful place in global tourism governance. If the continent fails to act wisely now, it risks another decade of marginalization.
Africa must vote not for favour, familiarity and flattery ,but for a candidate who will not ignore Africa’s ambitions, but must begin planning today to ensure that an African takes the helm in the near future. The time for petty divisions should be a thing of the past. The time for strategic unity is now for the future of African tourism.
