In a stirring address at the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit held in Midrand, South Africa, Her Excellency Fatoumata Jahumpa-Ceesay, High Commissioner of The Gambia to South Africa, called on Africa’s youth to take bold leadership in reshaping the continent’s tourism landscape into a more inclusive, innovative, and community-driven sector.
Representing the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” Jahumpa-Ceesay conveyed warm greetings from the government and people of The Gambia and commended organisers including Africa Tourism Partners, UN Tourism, AfCFTA, South African Tourism, and the Joburg Tourism Company for crafting a platform that not only highlights the power of youth but actively nurtures their potential.
“This summit is more than just a conference,” she said. “It is a living testament to the belief that Africa’s youth are not only the future of tourism, but also its present architects.”
Dr. Jahumpa-Ceesay emphasised that tourism, inherently human and deeply rooted in culture and storytelling, holds vast potential for social and economic transformation especially when it is inclusive.
She urged stakeholders to ensure that tourism benefits extend beyond luxury resorts to reach remote villages, townships, family-run lodges, informal vendors, and heritage communities. She highlighted the vital roles played by women, youth, and the elderly in sustaining tourism traditions and called for their recognition in policymaking and enterprise.
With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, Jahumpa-Ceesay described the continent’s youth as its greatest untapped resource. She stressed that tourism with its low entry barriers offers myriad opportunities for young people to engage as digital creators, guides, innovators, food entrepreneurs, and cultural ambassadors.
“The future of African tourism must not be built for youth; it must be built with youth,” she declared.
“We must ask ourselves: Are we providing the tools, funding, and space for young voices to shape the tourism narrative?”
Referencing the summit theme: ‘Creating Tourism Clusters as Commercial Villages for Youth and Women Employment and Financial Inclusion’, Dr. Jahumpa-Ceesay praised tourism clusters as powerful community ecosystems. When structured well, these clusters create jobs, preserve culture, and generate localised economic growth.
She shared success stories from Rwanda, South Africa, and The Gambia, where community-based and township tourism has empowered youth and women to become entrepreneurs and cultural ambassadors.
“In The Gambia, our eco-villages and craft markets supported by the Ministry of Tourism are not just commercial spaces — they are hubs of learning, mentorship, and women’s empowerment.”
Calling attention to the critical yet often undervalued role of women in tourism, the High Commissioner described them as the “invisible engine” driving the sector.
She advocated for gender-responsive policies to ensure fair wages, protection from exploitation, leadership training, and support for women-led enterprises. She also underscored the need for accessible financing mechanisms tailored to women entrepreneurs.
“Every successful woman in tourism must lift another as she rises. Mentorship is not just support, it is legacy-building.”
Highlighting the digital revolution sweeping the tourism industry, Dr. Jahumpa-Ceesay urged African governments and the private sector to invest in tech-based solutions from mobile apps and digital marketplaces to virtual tourism experiences and blockchain verification tools.
She pointed to The Gambia’s own youth-led digital innovations that promote heritage tourism and rural lodges through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
“Our youth are digital natives. What they need is access to devices, training, and capital. Let’s build tech hubs and tourism innovation labs across Africa.”
As a representative of The Gambia, Dr. Jahumpa-Ceesay reiterated her country’s strong commitment to inclusive, sustainable tourism. Under its National Development Plan, The Gambia is expanding community-based tourism, youth training programs, and women’s cooperatives.
She called for greater regional collaboration and investment in eco-tourism, Diaspora engagement and digital promotion.
“We invite our African brothers and sisters to collaborate, share knowledge, and build a tourism industry that belongs to all Africans.”
In an emotional conclusion, the High Commissioner addressed the young people present and those watching online.
“You are not passengers in Africa’s tourism story. You are the authors.
Let your village be your brand. Let your language be your pride. Let your culture be your currency.”
She urged the youth to seize opportunities, challenge limitations, and lead with creativity and discipline. She closed with a profound reminder:
“Tourism is not about places. It’s about people. In The Gambia, we say: If we walk together, we walk far.
Let us walk together. Let us innovate together. And let us build a tourism industry that reflects the soul of Africa diverse, dynamic, and deeply inclusive.”
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