Lagos, Nigeria – The African travel and tourism industry is poised for a significant surge, with a projected market value of $38 billion by 2028. This exciting prediction comes from Bayo Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow, a leading online travel company in Africa.
Adedeji unveiled this optimistic outlook during the Wakanow Unpacked Expo in Lagos, alongside the launch of a revamped Wakanow website and a suite of innovative travel solutions.
“The potential for African tourism is far greater than we realize,” Adedeji remarked. Despite representing 19% of the global population, Africans currently make up only 2% of tourists worldwide. This untapped market presents a vast opportunity for growth.
While Africa boasts a vibrant travel scene, it’s largely focused on international destinations. “Approximately 40% of air traffic leaving Nigeria goes to the UK alone,” Adedeji noted. “Intra-African travel remains relatively low.”
Wakanow, recognizing this untapped potential, is strategically repositioning itself to cater to the continent’s growing travel needs. The company unveiled several new platforms alongside their revamped website.
Roomde, a user-friendly platform, tackles the challenge of finding suitable accommodation for travelers. Kalabash, another innovative solution, streamlines financial management and simplifies the travel experience. These additions join Wakanow’s existing offerings, creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem within the Wakanow Group.
“Our mission at Wakanow Group is to empower individuals and businesses with travel solutions that are innovative and user-friendly,” Adedeji explained. “The launch of these new products marks a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
Adenike Macaulay, CEO of Wakanow Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the user-centric design of the revamped Wakanow website. “The new Wakanow.com offers a modern and vibrant experience for our customers,” said Macaulay, “allowing them to seamlessly explore and book a wide range of travel products and services.”
