Leading telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria, has partnered with the Akwaaba African Travel Market, the premier travel and tourism event in West Africa, as the headline sponsor of the biggest tourism event in West Africa which kicked off on Sunday.
This strategic collaboration marks MTN’s first-ever participation in the prestigious event, reinforcing its commitment to driving the growth and progress across Africa through technology, a statement by the organiser said.
As the headline sponsor, MTN Nigeria will lead strategic engagements to underscore its transformation from a traditional telecom provider to a comprehensive technology solutions leader, dedicated to revolutionizing business operations across various sectors.
With an extensive portfolio designed to meet the evolving needs of MSMEs, large enterprises, and the public sector, MTN Nigeria offers innovative technologies that enhance operational efficiency, streamline processes, and drive organizational success. This partnership signals a new chapter in empowering African businesses within the hospitality sector, with technology at the forefront of increased productivity and impact.
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The 20th edition of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, which commenced on Sunday, September 22, will feature in-depth discussions on transitioning Africa’s travel and tourism industry from traditional models to a technology-driven economy.
Also the #JollofRiceWar returned at the opening on Sunday featuring 10 chefs who prepared different delicacies of Jollof Rice to satisfy the culinary cravings of the participants.
Omowunmi Olatunbosun, Head of SME Segments, Enterprise Business in her presentation said the MTN was committed to promoting tourism in Africa with its digital solutions.
“We will be working together with ecosystem if partners to drive productivity and desire to improve businesses. Our desire is to enable businesses to become more productive.
“MTN has evolved. We are changing from just being a technology company to a technology company.”
The conference would also feature an impressive lineup of esteemed speakers from across Africa, including Davidson Mugisha from Rwanda, Dr. Adama Bah from The Gambia, Ahmed Naaman from Ghana, and Nigerian entertainment mogul Edi Lawani.
His Excellency Humphrey Geiseb, Namibian Ambassador to Nigeria, will also be in attendance, adding further prestige to the event.
On Monday, September 23, the Africa Travel 100 Awards for Global Leaders in Tourism will recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals shaping Africa’s travel landscape. The famous Jollof Rice War will also open the expo on Sunday, while Tuesday’s Youth Tourism Session will welcome special guest Mrs. Lola Ade-John, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism.
The event will conclude on Tuesday, September 24, with the Lagos Day Celebrations, where the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture will highlight the state’s rich tourism assets.
The closing ceremony will include the prestigious Fatima Garbati Tourism Outreach Grant, a N5 million grant awarded to young tour operators and tourism departments, underscoring the event’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the sector.
The convener of the event, Amb. Ikechi Uko stated that he started the Akwaaba event to promote tourism in Africa, saying Nigeria is ripe for tourism.
He said, “Today is our 20th anniversary and what we are trying to do, our vision from beginning was to bring Africa together and we are happy that in 20 years we have done that.”
There were different exhibitors including Memorial Hospitals Group from Turkey, Royal Senchi Hotels from Ghana, MTN Nigeria, Ekiti State, Cinderella Travels and Tours, Skyway Aviation Handling Company PLC, The Gambia tourism, Eko Hotels and Suits, Ethiopian airline, Ibom Air, among others.
President of Association of Chiefs in Ghana, Chief Okatachi Nana the first, who cut the tape to commence the programme urged Africans to unite to develop the tourism potentials of the region.
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