A new partnership between the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and sustainability-focused travel technology platform, Ojimah, will support tourism recovery across Africa.

According to Ojimah’s website, it provides travel technology solutions to over 350 airlines, almost 1.2 million hotels, and over 200 000 activities. It also provides destination guides, automated visa services, access to 600 airport lounges, travel insurance, e-wallet and e-sim, and automatic check-in.

As a multichannel platform with reach across the continent, Ojimah will advocate for ‘Brand Africa’ by enhancing the image of the region on the global stage through positive stories from across the tourism sector.

The parties will also collaborate in supporting the digital transformation of African tourism, with the aim of both enhancing the tourist experience and helping destinations become more competitive and resilient as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic. 

Additionally, recognising the sector’s potential to advance sustainable development and growth, the partnership will focus on supporting local communities, including through the creation of jobs. 

Looking beyond the short-term recovery of African tourism, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties also sets out plans to work with African governments to enhance connectivity across the continent. Priorities include embracing innovation to improve visa facilitation policies, especially through the expansion of e-visas.  

To advance all these goals, the partnership will focus on capacity building, with key stakeholders from both public and private sectors to be supported in their shift to digital and branding initiatives. 

The MoU was signed within the framework of the 65th UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, Arusha and will remain in force until the end of 2024.