The 5th edition of the Conference of Tourism and Hotel Investment in Africa (Zither) took place on February 18 and 19, 2025, in Abidjan, under the high patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure in Côte d’Ivoire. Organized by Voltere by Egis, this event brought together leading players in the hotel and tourism sector to discuss strategic levers promoting sustainable and inclusive development of tourism in Africa.

Public-Private Cooperation at the Service of Development

The 2025 edition of the conference was marked by in-depth discussions between government representatives, investors, and private actors in the sector. The inaugural round table, chaired by Mr. SIADOU FOFANA, Minister of Tourism and Leisure, highlighted the importance of reinforced synergy between the public and private sectors to establish policies adapted to the structuring of a sustainable and efficient tourist ecosystem.

The exchanges notably focused on solutions aimed at increasing accessibility to project financing, promoting innovation in the hotel industry, and defining strategies in line with tourism development ambitions in West Africa. Key issues such as air accessibility, access to land, and training were also addressed.

Innovative Initiatives and a Reinforced Commitment in Favor of Sustainability

For this 5th edition, the conference addressed several themes, including an inspiring intervention by Serge Trigano, co-founder of the concept Mama Shelter. Trigano shared his experience and projected the development prospects of the Mama Shelter brand in Africa.

• Project Financing: How to adapt the financing mechanisms to the specificities of the African market to ensure profitable and sustainable investments.
• Talent Training and Retention: The need to train and retain local skills to meet growing demand in the sector.
• Responsible Tourism: The implementation of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices for sustainable development.
• Hotel Group Strategy: Adaptation to market developments through product innovations and actions to strengthen the attractiveness of destinations and the competitiveness of establishments.

An Assertive Commitment in Favor of Tourism Development

“Africa today represents a strategic axis for the development of tourism and hotels, carried by a young population, of exceptional natural resources and an increasing interest of investors. The continent is thus well placed in playing a central role in the world tourism industry. Côte d’Ivoire, with its hospitality, its cultural wealth and its remarkable landscapes, is distinguished as a destination of excellence. Official 2025 is a key step to support this transformation and promote the development of African talents in this sector. Voltere by Egis actively undertakes to materialize ambitious projects to make Côte d’Ivoire one of the first business tourism destinations in Africa,” said Julien Poacher, Managing Director of Voltere by Egis.

In this same perspective, Dr. Klo Band, in the name of the Ministry of Tourism, praised the transformation of the sector in Africa, which has become a dynamic industry carried by innovation, financing, and human capital. He underlined the ambition of Côte d’Ivoire through the strategy “Sublime Ivory Coast,” targeting 5 million visitors by 2025, supported by modern infrastructure and tax incentives. Recalling the success of CAN 2023, he called for a concerted action to make Africa a major tourist destination, where talents and opportunities meet.

Voltere by Egis: A Key Player in Tourism Development in Africa

Thanks to its recognized expertise, Voltere by Egis, a consulting firm specializing in tourism, hotels, and leisure, plays a preponderant role in the transformation of the sector in Africa. Belonging to the group Egis, a global actor in engineering, Voltere accompanies governments and companies in the design and structuring of high-impact tourist projects, integrating innovation and sustainability.

Whether it is territorial planning, the definition of adapted economic models, or the development of attractive destinations, the commitment of Voltere aims to position Africa as a future market for world tourism.

An Edition Turned to the Future

The conference of Official 2025 marked a turning point for the sector, with concrete commitments and ambitious perspectives. The event has shown that the mobilization of stakeholders and the implementation of concerted actions constitute the pillars of lasting and competitive tourism development in Africa.

Recent Developments and Practical Applications

In recent years, Africa has seen a surge in tourism investments, with countries like Kenya, South Africa, and Morocco leading the way. These nations have implemented innovative strategies to attract both domestic and international tourists. For instance, Kenya has invested heavily in eco-tourism, promoting its national parks and wildlife reserves. Similarly, South Africa has leveraged its rich cultural heritage and vibrant cities to draw in visitors from around the globe.

One notable example is the development of the “Sublime Ivory Coast” strategy, which aims to attract 5 million visitors by 2025. This initiative includes the construction of modern infrastructure, such as airports and highways, and the implementation of tax incentives to encourage investment in the tourism sector. The success of events like the African Cup of Nations (CAN) 2023 has further highlighted the potential of Africa as a major tourist destination.

Moreover, the conference emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving tourism development. By fostering collaboration between governments and private sector entities, Africa can create a sustainable and inclusive tourism ecosystem. This approach has been successfully implemented in countries like Rwanda, where public-private partnerships have led to significant improvements in infrastructure and service quality.

In the United States, similar public-private partnerships have been instrumental in revitalizing tourism in cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas. These partnerships have not only improved infrastructure but also enhanced the overall visitor experience, making these destinations more attractive to tourists.

Addressing Potential Counterarguments

While the potential for tourism development in Africa is immense, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One common criticism is the lack of infrastructure and security concerns in some regions. However, initiatives like the “Sublime Ivory Coast” strategy aim to tackle these issues by investing in modern infrastructure and enhancing security measures.

Another concern is the environmental impact of tourism. The conference highlighted the importance of implementing ESG practices to ensure sustainable development. By adopting responsible tourism practices, Africa can preserve its natural resources while promoting economic growth.

Conclusion

The 5th edition of the Conference of Tourism and Hotel Investment in Africa has set a clear path for the future of tourism in the continent. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and public-private partnerships, Africa is poised to become a leading destination for global tourism. As Julien Poacher, Managing Director of Voltere by Egis, stated, “Africa today represents a strategic axis for the development of tourism and hotels, carried by a young population, of exceptional natural resources and an increasing interest of investors.” The continent is well-positioned to play a central role in the world tourism industry, and initiatives like the “Sublime Ivory Coast” strategy are paving the way for a prosperous future.