Tourism has become a vital economic driver for African countries, with many relying on tourism export revenue to boost their economies.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, the sector is bouncing back strongly, with African countries tourism export revenue benefiting from a 96% recovery in international visitor arrivals, according to the United Nation World Tourism Organization, UNWTO.
Tourism as Africa’s Economic Driver
Tourism fuels job creation, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. It stands out as one of Africa’s leading export industries, significantly contributing to GDP and foreign exchange reserves. 
A WTTC report, in collaboration with VFS Global, forecasts that African tourism will inject $168 billion into the economy while creating over 18 million jobs.
The Unique Advantage of Tourism in African Economies
Tourism operates as an “invisible export,” with international visitor spending directly benefiting local economies through accommodations, local cuisine, entertainment, and other services.
Unlike volatile industries such as oil and minerals, tourism offers a stable income source, playing a significant role in sustaining African countries’ tourism export revenue throughout the year.
Countries focusing on infrastructure upgrades, such as airports, roads, and hospitality facilities, continue to experience remarkable growth in their tourism sectors.
African Nations Leading in Tourism Export Revenue
In 2023, specific countries stood out for their reliance on tourism as a primary export contributor. For instance, The Gambia and Cabo Verde emerged as leaders, with tourism contributing 49% and 48% of total exports, respectively. Meanwhile, São Tomé and Príncipe followed at 47%, while Seychelles accounted for 38%.
Below is a detailed ranking of the top African countries by tourism’s share of exports:
| Rank | Country | Tourism Share of Exports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Gambia | 49% |
| 2 | Cabo Verde | 48% |
| 3 | São Tomé and Príncipe | 47% |
| 4 | Seychelles | 38% |
| 5 | Tanzania | 22% |
| 6 | Rwanda | 21% |
| 7 | Mauritius | 19% |
| 8 | Uganda | 18% |
| 9 | Morocco | 17% |
| 10 | Niger | 12% |
Future Prospects for Africa’s Tourism Sector
The future of African tourism looks promising. Indeed, as governments continue to invest in infrastructure and promote local attractions, it is clear that the industry’s contribution to export revenue will grow steadily.
African governments aim to further boost countries’ tourism export revenue and strengthen their economies by enhancing visitor experiences, improving connectivity, and ensuring sustainability.
That said, which African country do you believe holds the greatest potential to grow its tourism sector? Let’s know your thoughts in the comments!
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