A tourism and creativity expert, Mr Sunnie Chukumele, has identified insecurity, especially in Nigeria, as a major obstacle to the growth of tourism, hospitality and the creative sector in Africa.
Chukumele made this known on Sunday night in Abuja at the African Descent Creative Industry Leadership Summit, Honours and Beauty Pageant.
The programme was organised by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success (GILS), a non-governmental organisation, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.
Presenting a paper titled “Africa, Insecurity, and the Future of Tourism and Hospitality,” Chukumele said Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector had shown remarkable resilience since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many destinations recording near-record or record tourist arrivals.
He, however, noted that insecurity remained a structural threat influencing where and how tourism develops across the continent.
According to him, insecurity concentrates tourism benefits in safer locations, discourages investment in fragile regions and imposes recurring costs on operators and host communities.
Chukumele said a forward-looking strategy must integrate community-centred development, practical safety measures, targeted infrastructure investment and stronger regional cooperation.
“International tourist arrivals to Africa and tourism receipts have been on a strong recovery path since 2022.
“United Nations tourism data and regional reports indicate that the continent returned to, and in many sub-regions exceeded, pre-pandemic levels by 2024 and 2025.
“Africa recorded approximately 74 million international arrivals in 2024 and sustained positive growth into 2025,” he said.
He stressed that when safety is combined with inclusion and smart investment, tourism could serve as both a beneficiary of stability and an engine for building it.
The expert urged African leaders, particularly in Nigeria, to pursue lasting solutions to insecurity threatening sustainable development.
On his part, Dr Raphael Obi, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, said the creative industry had emerged as one of the leading drivers of the global economy.
Obi noted that countries were increasingly relying on the sector to stimulate economic growth, adding that Nigeria was richly endowed with creative talents that must be effectively harnessed.
“As far as this industry is concerned, Nigeria is a hub of creativity and a beacon of hope in culture, arts, culinary expression and photography.
“Our music, imagery and cultural expressions project Nigeria globally. For us in the ministry, we will continue to give our best to ensure the growth and development of this sector,”
