Kenya is set to strengthen its role as a leader in tourism and innovation in Africa after being selected to host the prestigious African Youth Tourism Innovation Summit & Challenge (AYTIS) from 2025 to 2027.
After three highly successful editions in Namibia, the event will move to Nairobi, heralding a new chapter for an influential pan-African forum that will bring together young entrepreneurs, industry leaders and government officials to shape the future of tourism on the continent.
AYTIS has become a key platform for youth-led innovation in Africa’s tourism sector, driving solutions that address the evolving challenges of the industry.
Over the years, groundbreaking ideas and technologies have been launched at the summit, paving the way for change along the entire tourism value chain.
As the summit moves to Kenya from Namibia, which hosted the 2024 edition in Windhoek, the hosting of the summit marks a significant transition to a future characterized by innovation and sustainability.
The event in Windhoek attracted over 500 participants, including 300 entrepreneurs, further highlighting AYTIS’ growing impact in promoting youth entrepreneurship in tourism.
Hosting Namibia from 2022 to 2024 was pivotal in highlighting the key role of youth and innovation in driving Africa’s tourism sector.
The summit provided a vibrant platform for collaboration among stakeholders and cemented its reputation as a growth catalyst.
By relocating to Kenya, AYTIS is poised to build on this momentum and expand its reach and influence across the continent.
AYTIS was founded by leading pan-African tourism consultancy Africa Tourism Partners, led by Kwaki Donkor, who will continue to act as event organizer in Kenya.
African Tourism Partners contributed to the success of the summit with its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism development through strategic partnerships and capacity building efforts.
Under Donkor’s leadership, the 2025 Nairobi edition is expected to attract over 800 participants, further expanding opportunities for networking, collaboration and innovation.
Nairobi, a vibrant tourism hub and emerging hub for technology innovation, is the ideal venue for AYTIS as it enters its next phase.
The event is managed by African Tourism Board Advisory and Management Services Africa (TEAMS Africa), a joint venture between Barry Clemens, Joram Mwinamo and Hoval Bauk.
The team’s vision for the summit is to open up new opportunities for youth entrepreneurship in tourism, focusing on technology-driven, inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Håvar Bauck, co-founder of TEAMS Africa, expressed his excitement about Nairobi’s new hosting role: “Kenya is a leader in tourism and innovation in Africa.
Nairobi offers young entrepreneurs the perfect environment to present their ideas and transform the industry.
We are confident that the next three editions of AYTIS will inspire collaboration and growth.
” Barry Clemens echoed this sentiment: “Tourism has the potential to drive economic change across Africa.
As host of AYTIS, Kenya will unlock new opportunities for youth and women, creating a more inclusive, technology-driven tourism sector.
” Embracing technology-enabled solutions and integrating sustainability and community development into tourism.
At the 2024 competition to be held in Namibia, Ghanaian innovator and CEO of Fihankura Comtech Limited, Joseph Owiredu, won with his technology-based personal security solution for the tourism industry, demonstrating the summit’s mission of empowering young people to meet the challenges of Africa’s tourism.
As Nairobi prepares to host AYTIS from 2025, Kenya is expected to bring together a diverse set of tourism leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.
The summit will serve as a key platform to advance the agenda of digital transformation, inclusivity and sustainable growth in Africa’s tourism industry.
With over 800 participants expected, AYTIS promises to be a milestone in the continent’s tourism calendar and position Kenya as a major player in the future of African tourism.
AYTIS has so far been hosted by Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa and Ghana, with key partnerships including the United Nations Tourism Office and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering Africa’s youth and fostering innovation in the tourism sector, contributing to the continent’s broader goal of sustainable and inclusive economic growth.