Unlocking Africa’s Coastal Tourism Potential: Integrating Green Solutions for Resilient Growth

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Coastal tourism is a cornerstone of Africa’s economic growth, with projections showing its value surpassing $100 billion by 2030 and creating 28 million jobs. With 80% of tourism concentrated in coastal towns and areas, the sector is pivotal to the future of Africa’s green and blue economies. However, alongside this rapid growth comes significant challenges, including environmental degradation, infrastructure gaps, and climate risks.  

Experts, policymakers, and investors will come together to discuss what’s needed to unlock this next frontier for Africa’s blue and green growth, focusing on fostering public-private partnerships, mobilising investment, and integrating green solutions to build climate-resilient coastal destinations and long-term economic growth. 

Moderator:

• Catalina Marulanda, Urban, Resilience and Land, East and Southern Africa, The World Bank, USA,

Panellists:

• Shaun Mann, Tourism Specialist – Senior Operations Officer, Africa Advisory Services – Tourism, Africa Region, IFC – International Finance Corporation, USA

• Petro Myburgh, Senior Manager, Sustainability Operations, V&A Waterfront, South Africa

• Abel Sakhau, Chief Sustainability Officer, Sanlam Group, South Africa

• Victor M Shitakha, Managing Director, Shitakha Consultancy & Board Chairman, Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA), Kenya

 

Topics for discussion: 

• Explore green approaches to building and managing sustainable coastal tourism infrastructure. 

• Highlight opportunities to integrate renewable energy, efficient water management, and green building practices into tourism development. 

• Discuss investment opportunities and financial mechanisms to support sustainable tourism projects. 
• Identify strategies to ensure local communities actively participate in and benefit from coastal tourism. 

Date: Thursday 6th February

Time: 14h00 (SAST)

This engaging webinar will empower participants with actionable insights and strategic connections to advance sustainable coastal tourism initiatives across Africa. By addressing critical challenges such as investment, green infrastructure, and community engagement, the session will catalyse the development of climate-resilient coastal destinations and support Africa’s transition to an inclusive and sustainable blue-green economy.