Addressing a diverse audience of stakeholders at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Pololikashvili underscored the urgent need for structured, relevant, and inclusive education systems to effectively support Africa's growing tourism industry.
He highlighted the continent's demographic advantage, noting that "Africa is the youngest continent, with 60 percent of its population under the age of 25." He emphasized that this youthful demographic represents an "immense potential" not only for the tourism sector but also for the broader socio-economic transformation of African communities. However, he cautioned that realizing this potential necessitates a concerted effort to "invest in education pathways that lead to real, sustainable opportunities."
Drawing upon 2023 data, the UN Tourism Secretary-General pointed out that travel and tourism currently account for a modest 4.9 percent of employment across Africa. He argued that this figure has the potential for significant growth through targeted educational reforms and strategic skills development initiatives. Pololikashvili specifically addressed the existing mismatch between the demands of the tourism industry and the current capabilities of the workforce. He called for a fundamental recalibration of education systems to better align with the evolving needs of the sector, ultimately enhancing Africa's attractiveness to global investors.
The summit, organized by the Zambia Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) in partnership with UN Tourism, served as a vital platform for stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to collaboratively address the critical issue of workforce readiness within the continent's tourism sector. The theme of the summit, "Understanding the Knowledge and Skills Gaps in Africa’s Trade in Services Industry: Empowering Africa’s Workforce in the AfCFTA Era," directly aligns with continental efforts to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to stimulate intra-African trade, with tourism identified as a key sector for growth.
Pololikashvili also spotlighted the Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality, a collaborative initiative between UN Tourism and ZITHS, as a prime example of a locally rooted yet globally informed capacity-building model. He reaffirmed UN Tourism's unwavering commitment to supporting curriculum diversification, the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities, and the facilitation of youth employment within the tourism sector.
"Our task here is to determine how education can serve as both an entry point and an engine for a resilient, inclusive tourism sector," Pololikashvili stated emphatically. "The industry is evolving, and so too must our systems of education and training." He further elaborated on the broader impact of education, asserting that it not only empowers individuals with essential skills but also strengthens the sustainability and resilience of the entire tourism ecosystem by instilling crucial knowledge, a sense of responsibility, and a culture of stewardship among future tourism professionals.
The opening day of the summit also featured significant remarks from key Zambian government officials, including Rodney Sikumba, the Minister of Tourism, and Douglas Siakalima, the Minister of Education. International perspectives were also shared by Carlos Andrés Peguero, the Deputy Minister of Tourism for International Cooperation of the Dominican Republic. Further contributions came from permanent secretaries Evans Muhanga (Tourism) and Lillian Bwalya (Commerce, Trade and Industry), as well as representatives from the European Union Delegation, the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and various private sector leaders.
Over the subsequent two days, the summit facilitated a series of insightful panels, plenary sessions, and interactive workshops. These sessions addressed critical issues central to workforce development in the tourism sector, including fostering effective partnerships between academia and industry, and the implementation of competency-based learning approaches. Key sessions included discussions on "Building the Tourism Workforce Pipeline," "The Role of Industry in Education," and "In Pursuit of Excellence—Approach to Tourism Education for African Destinations."
As Zambia increasingly solidifies its position as a regional hub for tourism education and workforce development, this year's summit represents a significant milestone in advancing Africa's overarching human capital strategy within the tourism sector.
In his closing remarks, a visibly encouraged Pololikashvili urged the summit delegates to translate the productive dialogues into tangible action. "Let this summit be a platform not only for dialogue but also for decisive steps forward," he implored. "Through collaboration, we can ensure tourism remains a powerful driver of progress, dignity, and opportunity across Africa."