ADDIS ABABA-
The global tourism community turned its attention to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 6th November 2025, as the Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) held its 2nd official unveiling alongside the 1st Edition of the Africa Tourism Dialogue during the Africa Celebrates 2025 event at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Held under the thought-provoking theme, “Reparative Tourism: Advancing Justice, Economic Redress, and Dignity for Africans and People of African Descent,” the 10-hour dialogue convened leading voices in tourism, governance, investment, cultural diplomacy, arts, hospitality, aviation, culture, immigration, diaspora community and host of others to discuss how tourism can drive reparative justice and bridge socio-economic gaps across the African continent and the diaspora.
AITEC World President Amb.Dine Bouraima displaying AITEC World during the launching at UNECA, Addis Ababa
The high-level event opened with vibrant cultural performance by Nigeria’s Victen Playhouse, setting the tone for a day rich in African heritage and intellectual engagement. The ceremony began with opening remarks by Amb. Dine Bouraima, President of AITEC World, followed by a detailed presentation of AITEC World’s vision and mission by Amb. Kazeem Balogun, the Council’s Vice President on Communications and International Relations.
The Vice President on Communications and International Relations, for AITEC World, Amb. Kazeem Balogun making a presentation about the organisation during the unveilling at UNECA, Addis Ababa.
The unveiling of the AITEC World logo symbolized a renewed commitment to Africa-driven tourism transformation and policy advocacy which was proudly displayed by the President to the admiration of the entire room, neccesitating a positive analysis of the logo.
The first Keynote Speaker for the AfricacTourism Dialogue Hon. Catherine Afeku, former Minister of Tourism, Ghana making her keynote address at the event in Addis Ababa
The event was professionally anchored by Ms. Mahlet Merid, CEO of Luna Events and Hosting Expert and the panel sessions were passionately moderated by Dr. Olanma Ojukwu, Tourism and Cruise Expert and CEO Gota International Group; Mrs. Cleopatre Kougniazonde, Language and Destination Promotion Expert, CEO of MUSKA+Consulting Group and Ms. Chinyere Perpetual Denise Titus-Egbujor, CEO, Perpetual Treasure Nigeria Ltd. and Tourism Expert.
The second Keynote Speaker for the AfricacTourism Dialogue Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt, former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierre Leone making her keynote address at the event in Addis Ababa
The event transitioned into the Africa Tourism Dialogue, jointly hosted by AITEC World and Africa Celebrates, represented by its President, Mr. Lexy Mojo-Eyes. The dialogue featured keynote speeches by two strong tourism voices on the continent, Hon. Catherine Afeku, former Minister of Tourism, Ghana, and Hon. Dr. Memunatu Pratt, former Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sierra Leone. Both emphasized the need for tourism to serve as a pathway to restorative justice and sustainable development for Africans globally.
Ms.Mariam Lesian, the President of Pan Africa Tourism Board giving a Special Remarks at the event in Addis Ababa
Several other thematic panels including Ministerial Rountable tackled critical issues such as Aviation, Visa, Reparative, Connectivity, Policy Commitments for Reparative Tourism, Mapping African Destinations for Investment, and Reparative Sustainability through Culture and Creativity. These sessions brought together experts including Ms. Mariam Lesian, President of the Pan Africa Tourism Board from Tanzania, Mr. Abel Marda, Hostorical Tourism Expert and Mrs Nardos Abebe a beauty Queen and Mr. Assefa Gebeye, Managing Director of Tolip Olympia Hotel from Ethiopia, Mr. Bini Daouda, founder of the Adayé Kessie Foundation from Cote D’Ivoire, Mr. Tengol Kplemani, CEO The Taste Of Afrika, from Ghana, Mrs. Gainsi Eudoxie Mahugnon, Insurance and Investment Expert and Mrs. Victorine Hounkpodote ,CEO Chez Bijou Restaurant from Benin Republic, Mrs. Oyetayo Esther Odejimi, CEO Oyemate Unisex Designer Worldwide Promotion, Dr. Ife Damon, from USA among others.
The Panelists on Reparative Sustainability through Creativity making their points during the event at UNECA, Addis Ababa
The afternoon culminated in a Fireside Chat between Hon. Catherine Afeku and Dr. Ife Akinsheye Damon, focusing on “Bonding Africans and the Diaspora.” The session explored how tourism, culture, and community engagement can serve as unifying tools for Africans worldwide.
AITEC World President, Amb.Dine Bouraima in a pleasant handshake with the President of Legndary Gold Mr. Lexy Mojo-Eyes after the MoU Signing at the event in Addis Ababa
Some Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signing followed between AITEC World and Africa Celebrates, Adaye Kessie Foundation and The Taste Of Afrika, symbolizing future collaborations between African and Diaspora tourism stakeholders. The day concluded with the High-Level Tourism Declaration and adoption of a Communiqué, presented by Amb. Kazeem Balogun, outlining the Reparative Tourism Roadmap for Africa and the Africa-Diaspora.
This momentous event not only reaffirmed Africa’s leadership in shaping global tourism narratives but also aligned perfectly with the African Union’s 2025 theme: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparation.”
It marked the beginning of a continental effort to reposition tourism as a vehicle for justice, dignity, and shared prosperity among Africans everywhere.
About AITEC World
The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC World) is an intercontinental organization founded to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the global community through tourism, trade, and cultural diplomacy. Its collaboration with Africa Celebrates, a flagship pan-African event organized by Legendary Gold Limited in partnership with the African Union and UNECA, signifies a powerful alignment of vision and purpose—to elevate Africa’s global image and economic influence through culture, tourism, and creative enterprise.
With its 2nd unveiling and the inaugural Africa Tourism Dialogue, AITEC World has positioned itself as a leading bridge-builder between Africa and the diaspora, setting the stage for a transformative reparative tourism agenda for generations to come.
The events in photos:
