Luanda: Tourism Minister M¡rcio Daniel advocated on Thursday in Mah©, Republic of Seychelles, for a structural approach to transforming African economies based on empowering youth and maximizing the demographic dividend. The Angolan official was speaking at the conference on "Strengthening Human Capital to Drive Tourism Growth in Africa," held as part of the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism sent to ANGOP on Friday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the minister emphasized that the continent possesses one of the greatest strategic assets of the 21st century: its young human capital. During a panel discussion on "Strengthening Tourism in Africa through Human Capital Development and Mobility," M¡rcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel highlighted the need for the continent to move away from structuring its economies solely around natural resources.
In the minister's view, there is an urgent need to promote a clear transition toward economies based on services, knowledge, and value addition. According to the document, the conference marked the opening of the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa, serving to reaffirm the continent's commitment to enhancing human capital through tourism.
It further notes that the discussion generated consensus on the pressing need to invest in skills, harmonize qualifications, and promote professional mobility across the region. The opening ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Patrick Herminie, who identified cultural richness and a youthful population as strategic foundations for the sector's future.
Meanwhile, UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais highlighted the importance of training and adapting to new technologies, maintaining that the sector's growth depends directly on investing in skilled human capital and creating opportunities for young people. Proceedings of the 69th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa continue this Friday with the plenary session, co-chaired by Angola.
