By GoTanzania Editorial Team
Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, has arrived in Zimbabwe to participate in the Second Regional Conference on Women in Tourism in Africa, a major continental event aimed at strengthening women’s empowerment and leadership in Africa’s tourism industry.
The high-level conference is scheduled to take place in the iconic tourism destination of Victoria Falls from April 29 to May 1, 2026, bringing together ministers, policymakers, tourism stakeholders, entrepreneurs and development partners from across Africa and beyond.
Upon arrival in Zimbabwe on April 28, 2026, Dr. Kijaji was officially received by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Suzan Kaganda.
Driving Women’s Empowerment in African Tourism
The conference, organized under the umbrella of the UN Tourism, seeks to address opportunities and challenges facing women in tourism while developing strategies to increase their participation and contribution to Africa’s economic growth.
Tourism remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing economic sectors and a major source of employment, with women making up a significant percentage of the workforce. However, many still face structural barriers in leadership, financing, entrepreneurship and access to opportunities.
The summit will focus on:
- Strengthening women’s leadership in tourism institutions and businesses
- Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among women
- Expanding economic opportunities and financial inclusion
- Enhancing policy frameworks for gender equality
- Encouraging inclusive and sustainable tourism development
Tanzania to Take a Leading Role
During the conference, Dr. Kijaji is expected to be a key speaker in the Ministers’ Panel Discussion, where senior leaders will discuss practical ways to strengthen women’s representation in leadership positions and ensure equal opportunities in the sector.
Her participation reflects Tanzania’s growing commitment to inclusive tourism development and women’s empowerment in the country’s expanding tourism industry.
Under Tanzania’s tourism strategy, the government continues to promote women-led enterprises in sectors such as:
- Cultural tourism
- Hospitality and accommodation
- Tour operations and guiding services
- Handicrafts and local products
- Conservation-linked businesses
Tanzania has increasingly positioned itself as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations through attractions such as Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
A Platform for Collaboration and Policy Exchange
The conference is also expected to attract a wide range of tourism stakeholders from within and outside Africa, serving as an important platform for:
- Sharing experiences and best practices
- Discussing effective tourism policies
- Building partnerships and networks
- Creating actionable strategies for inclusive tourism growth
With women playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of African tourism, the conference is expected to generate impactful recommendations that will drive policy reforms and business opportunities across the continent.
Tanzania’s participation at the summit underscores the country’s dedication to promoting sustainable tourism, gender equality and regional cooperation in Africa’s travel and hospitality sectors.
Source: Habari Leo
