The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has formally expressed her support for the upcoming Africa Tourism and Creative Economy Expo (AFTCEE), set to take place this November in Abuja.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Chuks Akamadu, CEO of AfrocultourAfrocultour, the organisers of the event, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the immense cultural and touristic potential across African nations.
She urged the continent to seize the opportunity presented by the Expo to transform these assets into drivers of trade and economic development.
The event, themed “Optimising Africa’s Comparative and Competitive Advantage for Accelerated Trade and Economic Growth,” aligns with the WTO’s vision for the continent’s integration into global and regional markets.
“Africa is immensely endowed with cultural and touristic opportunities,” she stated, calling for these strengths to be channelled into meaningful economic outcomes.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who is expected to attend the Expo in person, emphasized the evolving landscape of global commerce, noting that the future of trade is increasingly service-oriented.
“The WTO believes the future of trade lies in services, and tourism and the creative economy have a central role to play,” she remarked.
She also extended her best wishes to the event organisers, expressing hope for a productive gathering and affirming her interest in participating.
