Zambia’s Minister of Tourism Highlights Investment Opportunities at UAE–Africa Summit
The Honourable Rodney Malindi Sikumba, Zambia’s Minister of Tourism, delivered a keynote address at the UAE–Africa Tourism and Investment Summit 2025, held at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The high-level event brought together ministers, investors, and industry leaders from Africa and the Middle East.
In his address, Honourable Sikumba emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between Africa and the UAE in tourism investment, skills development, and innovation, describing such collaboration as essential to realising Africa’s tourism potential and driving sustainable economic growth.
“Africa is a continent of extraordinary promise, home to unmatched natural beauty and a dynamic population. The time has come to transform these endowments into lasting prosperity through meaningful investment and collaboration,” he stated.
Highlighting Zambia’s role as Chair of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (2025–2027), the Minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to tourism-led economic diversification.
He noted that Zambia’s tourism sector contributes roughly 7 percent to GDP, with 2.2 million international tourists arriving in 2024, highlighting strong post-pandemic recovery.
Honourable Sikumba invited investors to explore Zambia’s growing tourism opportunities, assuring that the government maintains a transparent, secure, and investor-friendly environment.
“We invite our partners from the UAE and beyond to invest in Africa. Together, let us build a tourism sector that sustains communities and drives shared prosperity,” he added.
The summit featured prominent figures including H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais, Secretary-General-Elect of UN Tourism; and H.E. Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, Angolan Minister of Hotels and Tourism, representing the African Union Presidency.
The UAE–Africa Tourism and Investment Summit 2025 continues to serve as a platform for strengthening cooperation and unlocking new investment opportunities across tourism and hospitality sectors in Africa and the Middle East.
