Namibia is gearing up to welcome more than 500 young individuals and women from various parts of Africa for the 2024 Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit. Scheduled to occur from May 28 to 31 in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital city, the summit is a collaborative effort between the Namibian Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), UN Tourism, Africa Tourism Partners, BDO, and Millvest.
Endorsed and supported by organizations like AfCFTA, Namibia Tourism Board, NIPDB, and NEPAD, this year’s summit focuses on amplifying the voices of young women in various sectors such as travel, tourism tech entrepreneurship, hospitality, and aviation.
A significant highlight of this edition is the Ministerial Roundtable, featuring esteemed speakers like Pohamba Shifeta, MP – Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia; Heather Sibungo, Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia; Gemma Matshediso Mbegabolawe, Regional Economic Communities Coordinator, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana; Emma Kantema-Gaomas, Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth & National Service, Namibia; and Linda Pereira, CEO, CPL Events, Portugal. This session aims to address gender disparity issues and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Among the notable speakers are Barbara Rwodzi, Minister of Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe; Mbali Mngomezulu, Manager, Business Development, Mastercard, South Africa; Mike Tavares, Founder & CEO, Ojimah, Mauritius; Nawa Likando, Head of Digital Strategy, Transformation, and Innovation MTC, Namibia; Joanne Mwangi – Yelbert, Director, Professional Marketing Services (PMS) Group, Kenya; Akwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority; and Mukameenda Salare – Cluster Commercial Manager, Hilton Windhoek, Namibia.
Known as the “land of the brave,” Namibia boasts a rich linguistic diversity with around 30 spoken languages. It offers a unique blend of landscapes, where the rugged beauty of the desert meets the abundance of the Atlantic Ocean.
To participate in the summit and explore the adventures Namibia has to offer, interested individuals can register at www.youthtourismsummit.com. Additionally, discounted airfares and accommodations are available through SAA and other related discount codes listed on the event website.