What if Africa’s next major tourism opportunity is not only attracting visitors from Europe, Asia or North America, but encouraging more Africans to explore the continent themselves?
“Aviation is economic infrastructure for Africa. Its value lies in the long-term benefits it delivers. It will create jobs, enable trade, support tourism, and further regional integration,” said Kamil Al-Awadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.
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The statement captures an increasingly important opportunity: building a tourism economy powered by Africans travelling across African borders.
Recent data from South Africa illustrates the potential. Between January and June 2026, the country welcomed more than 5.58 million international tourists, with arrivals from other African countries increasing by 14.3%, compared with 5.6% growth from overseas markets.
The pattern is even clearer in the 2025 figures. More than 77% of South Africa’s tourists came from Africa, with 75.2% originating from neighbouring SADC countries and another 1.9% from other African countries.
This points to a broader opportunity. Africa’s growing middle class, expanding business networks and increasingly connected population are creating demand for leisure travel, conferences, business trips, visiting friends and relatives, shopping and short breaks.
A Market Waiting to Be Connected
The opportunity extends beyond individual destinations. Africa could increasingly be marketed as an interconnected tourism region, allowing travellers to combine several countries within a single journey.
A regional itinerary could connect safari experiences, coastal destinations, heritage sites, cultural attractions and major cities. Such packages could spread tourism revenue across airlines, hotels, restaurants, transport companies, tour operators, artisans and local communities.
Tourism can also reinforce trade. Business travellers attending conferences, exhibitions and professional meetings create demand for hospitality and transport while strengthening commercial relationships between African markets.
The economic contribution is already substantial. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that Travel & Tourism contributed US$228 billion to Africa’s economy in 2025, equivalent to 7% of regional GDP, while supporting 30.2 million jobs. WTTC expects the sector to contribute about US$241 billion in 2026.
Connectivity Remains a Major Barrier
Aviation is one of the biggest obstacles. IATA says the cost of operating aviation in Africa remains high, with government and infrastructure-provider taxes and charges about 15% above the global average. The association has also warned that nearly half of intra-African travel still requires travellers to obtain visas before departure.
Limited direct connections compound the problem. When travelling between two African countries requires expensive fares, multiple connections or lengthy journeys, potential tourists may choose another destination.
Visa restrictions create another layer of friction. The 2024 Africa Visa Openness Index found that Africans needed a visa before travelling in 47% of intra-African travel scenarios, although this represents an improvement from 55% in 2016.
Reducing these barriers does not mean removing legitimate border controls. It means developing more efficient, predictable and traveller-friendly systems that facilitate lawful movement while maintaining appropriate security standards.
Turning Mobility into Economic Power
Unlocking intra-African tourism will require cooperation between governments, airlines and the private sector.
Governments can improve visa facilitation, border infrastructure and regional connectivity. Airlines can develop commercially sustainable routes and partnerships. Tourism authorities can jointly market neighbouring destinations, while businesses can create affordable travel products designed specifically for African consumers.
Technology can further simplify bookings, payments and travel planning, while digital identity and border systems can make movement more seamless.
Most importantly, African tourism stakeholders must recognise Africans as a core tourism market, rather than treating regional travellers as secondary to long-haul visitors.
Africa already possesses the destinations, cultures and experiences needed to sustain a powerful tourism economy. The next step is to connect them more effectively.
By making movement easier, travel more affordable and destinations more interconnected, Africa can turn intra-African tourism into a stronger source of jobs, enterprise, cultural exchange and regional economic integration.
