Now in its seventh edition, the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit & Challenge (AYTIS) has established itself as the premier platform dedicated to unearthing, nurturing and promoting youth-led innovation in Africa’s travel and tourism sector.
Since its inception, AYTIS has filled a critical gap, creating a structured, continental platform for young entrepreneurs whose ideas often fall outside the radar of mainstream investment and policy discourse.
It has become the bridge connecting youthful ambition with real opportunity.
Organised in partnership with the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA), and UN Tourism, and supported by South African Tourism, the 7th AYTIS promises to be a transformative platform that empowers youth, connects businesses, and shapes policy across Africa’s tourism landscape.
This year’s top 20 finalists exemplify the summit’s core mission – innovation, impact and inclusivity. From eco-tourism solutions and cultural experiences to drone light shows and AI-driven travel platforms, these youth-led ventures showcase the diversity and creativity propelling Africa’s tourism renaissance.
The 2025 summit, taking place from June 24 to 27 in Midrand, Johannesburg, will not only spotlight youth innovation but also host high-level dialogues, B2B networking, exhibitions, career guidance workshops and entrepreneurship masterclasses.
ATPSA’s involvement strengthens private sector participation, opening new opportunities for investment, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
As Suzan M. Ongalo, Chairperson of ATPSA, put it, “Partnering with AYTIS is a meaningful step towards shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for tourism in Africa. We believe this summit will provide young leaders with the tools, networks and exposure needed to scale their solutions and drive real impact.”
The 2025 finalists
The top 20 finalists for the 2025 Innovation Challenge were selected from a highly competitive pool of hundreds of entries from across the continent, following the call for submissions in November 2024.
This year’s cohort includes Brenda Kakungulu Asasira of Bris Agro Safaris (U) Limited from Uganda, Neerali Solanki of Eco-Tourism Ventures in Tanzania, Mmoloki Pitse with Lowapi Drone Light Shows from Botswana, and Chandraveer Lutchmun of Sea Pirate Tours in Mauritius.
Also featured are Nouran Farouk from Egypt with Dosy Bikes, Edgar Mwila of Beautiful Zambia, and Ndaudika Mulundileni of Mindsinaction STEAM Centre PTY LTD. Octavius Maketo of Ubuntu Aquatics CC and Andreas Leonard of the Exploradio Audio Guide Namibia Mobile App represent Namibia.
From Congo (Brazzaville) is Apollinaire Junior Mabiala of Nation Excellency LLC, while Nigeria is strongly represented by Chukwudi Dike of Ugrr.net, Balmun Daniel of Trvelr and Abdulhamid Idris of Terrah Origin. Other finalists include Bruno Komurubga of CHUNZI Technologies from Uganda, Mokenti Samuel of Pride Plains in Botswana, Busiku Cheelo of Travel Buddies, and Lillian Mumbi of the Eco-Tourism Digital Passport from Zambia.
Zimbabwe’s Leon Chaperuka is recognised for Eastville Chemakuti Sustainable Ecotourism Travels, Siphiwe Ngwenya represents South Africa with the Maboneng Township Arts Experience, while Burundi is proudly included through Methode Minani of EcoYouth Travel Burundi (EYTB).
Innovation Challenge Academy
These 20 finalists will now be enrolled in the AYTIS Innovation Challenge Academy – a dedicated boot camp designed to refine their business models, enhance their strategic thinking, and prepare them for high-level engagement with investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The academy not only serves as a capacity-building initiative but also as a level playing field where the brightest ideas are sharpened into viable, scalable ventures.
Following this intensive training phase, the cohort will be further shortlisted to the top five. These five will present their ventures in a face-to-face pitch at the summit in Johannesburg, where a judging panel will determine the winner of the 2025 Innovation Challenge.
ATLF Awards 2025
The ultimate winner will be announced in September at the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards (ATLF) – another flagship platform championed by Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), where leading minds and institutions converge to shape the policy, investment and innovation agenda of African tourism.
What finalists stand to gain
Participation in AYTIS offers more than recognition. It delivers meaningful transformation across four key areas:
• Mentorship and Business Development: Finalists receive expert guidance through the academy to strengthen their ventures and prepare for scale.
• Funding and Visibility: The summit creates access to investment and exposure to global and African tourism stakeholders.
• Market Access and Partnerships: B2B networking opens doors to partnerships, market expansion and collaborative innovation.
• Insight and Learning: Workshops provide hands-on knowledge in areas such as IP protection, AI integration, sustainability, and inclusive tourism design.
Platform with expanding reach
The decision to move the summit from Nairobi to Johannesburg reflects AYTIS’s growing scale and ambition. Backed by South African Tourism, UN Tourism and ATPSA, Johannesburg provides the ideal backdrop, with its advanced tourism infrastructure and strong private sector ecosystem, to showcase the continent’s best and brightest ideas.
AYTIS is spearheaded by Africa Tourism Partners, under the leadership of Kwakye Donkor, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, tourism development and innovation has made the platform a leading force across the continent.
ATP’s consistent investment in youth-led ventures and leadership development is helping to reshape the tourism narrative from the ground up.
Looking ahead
In an industry that too often overlooks emerging voices, AYTIS offers a powerful alternative – a platform that uplifts, equips and celebrates the continent’s future tourism leaders.
With the countdown to Johannesburg underway and the final face-to-face pitch on the horizon, the top 20 are on the brink of continental recognition.
And while there is no Ghanaian innovator to succeed Owiredu this year, the nation should take it as a cue – to reinvest in young talents, re-engage with innovation networks, and prepare to return stronger in 2026.
