The Africa Tourism Innovation Hub launched a groundbreaking combined incubation and acceleration program in partnership with the Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa, in March. This opportunity is offered to all winners and runners-up of the Africa Tourism Innovation Challenge, which has nurtured talent and innovation from 2019 to 2025.
This first phase of the programme was delivered by Prof. Michael Twum-Darko, Head of the Business Innovation and Incubation Centre at Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Chairperson of the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub, along with Prof. Keolebogile Motaung, CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd and a leader in academia and innovation.
The thoughtfully designed masterclasses and sessions offered a wealth of practical knowledge and insights, illuminating vital aspects of entrepreneurship. Participants delved into transformative topics such as Vision and Strategy, Value Proposition, Business Model Development, and Critical and Design Thinking Strategies, equipping them with essential tools for groundbreaking innovation in their respective fields.
Rosalia Haifiku, a 2024 Namibian finalist, described the programme as an empowering platform:
“The programme was highly informative, providing not just information but also solutions and resources, with my favorite session being Session 3 by Prof. Michael Twum-Darko on Business Development. Moving forward, I hope for more knowledge, an interactive platform to share my startup challenges, and valuable feedback.”
The next programme is scheduled to run in May 2025.
Another milestone the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Challenge reached was the partnership between Millat Group and Africa Tourism Partners, offering Joseph Owiredu, the 2024 winner, a fully sponsored trip from Ghana to South Africa for an in-house hospitality mentorship at Hyatt Hotel, Johannesburg.
Commenting on the partnership, Altaaf Kazi, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Business Development at Millat Group, sees this as an opportunity to develop the future of the tourism and hospitality sector stars:
“By partnering with the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit, we are able to contribute to the growth of talent in the sector and expose up-and-coming hoteliers and hospitality workers to best global brand standards.”
Joseph Owiredu, the winner, expressed appreciation to both the sponsor and the facilitator, Africa Tourism Partners:
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the team at Millat Group for this training program and for making this possible. This would be my first time in South Africa. I look forward to learning, growing, and applying the knowledge gained to contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry. I have reviewed the program itinerary and am truly excited to learn all I can and apply myself.”
The training is scheduled for mid-April 2025.
The 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit is scheduled to take place from June 24 to June 27, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. To attend, visit https://youthtourismsummit.com/ and book your seat, accommodation, and exhibition space.
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