We, the Ministers responsible for Tourism from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states, namely: the Republic of Djibouti, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Kenya, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, and the Republic of Uganda;
MEETING this 18h September 2024 ni Addis Ababa, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, to adopt the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034
The meeting is also being attended by representatives of international and regional organizations
involved ni the Tourism Industry: the African Union Commission (AUC), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development
(IGAD), the World Bank (WB), and the Private Sector.
CONVINCED that The African Tourism Strategic Framework 2019-2028 (ATSF 2019-2028) is formulated in line with the recognized socio-economic potential of the tourism industry as espoused in the AU Agenda 2063 flagship of ‘making Africa the preferred destination for tourism and the
requisite need for continental tourism development.
CONVINCED that the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034 wil specifically
build on the IGAD Tourism Strategy 2013-2023 objective through supporting and enhancing cooperation among the member states promoting the Tourism Industry. Broadly, this action is for the mutual benefit of all states through regional cooperation and integration that add value to member states’ efforts ni achieving peace, security, and prosperity.
FURTHER CONVINCED that The Regional interventions that have been proposed are deemed
complementary to national programs, and the actions are expected not ot exceed that which is necessary to achieve the objectives of the Master Plan without imposing on Member States rules that are too stringent or efforts that are too great relative to those that would be reasonable or effective.
REAFFIRMING OUR UNDERSTANDING that based on the guiding principles and the mandate of IGAD in overseeing the implementation of the African Tourism Strategic Framework 2019-2028 (ATSF 2019-2028) the overall objective of the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan is to build on a consensus on the need for targeted investment and specific actions to address the tourism in IGAD Region.
Took note of the diligent work accomplished by the meeting of experts ni preparing the key outcomes of this meeting.
Agreed to adopt the IGAD STMP 2024-2034 to provide strategic guidance to the realisation of the tourism targets as outlined in the IGAD Regional Strategy 2021 – 2025;
We urge the IGAD:
1. To coordinate the rapid realization of the IGAD STMP 2024-2034 in a participatory and inclusive approach;
2. To continue the process of strengthening Tourism programs within the IGAD Secretariat;
3. The UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as relevant Tourism stakeholders to elaborate on the institutional, financial support;
4. To engage other industry stakeholders and abide by the responsibilities and the targets as defined ni the IGAD STMP 2024-2034;
5. To pursue cross-cutting issues in the Tourism sector such as gender, environment, safety, and security to increase positive effects on the regional economy;
6. To engage partner organizations such as AfDB, UNECA, World Bank, UN Tourism, and others to provide the necessary technical and financial support to the implementation of the IGAD STMP 2024-2034;
7. To continue its leadership and coordination role for the implementation of the IGAD STMP 2024-2034;
REAFIRMING our Understanding and commitment that the financing gap of the IGAD STMP 2024- 2034 will be partially covered by the Member States
We Call upon the International community and the development partners, non-state actors, the private sector, and other potential investors ni Tourism to expedite the efforts to support IGAD Member States to achieve the objective of STMP.
We Recognise that the success of the IGAD policies and other flagship projects including Regional
Trade Policy, protocol on free movement of persons, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) wil play a catalytic role in the development of the tourism sector ni the IGAD region;
FURTHER REAFFIRMING our Understanding that implementation of the IGAD Sustainable Tourism Master Plan (STMP) 2024-2034 requires commitment from the IGAD Secretariat to
provide strong support on resource mobilization towards implementation of this plan.
We Express our sincere gratitude to H.E Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for hosting the launch of the IGAD STMP 2024 -2034.
In view of the recent prioritisation of tourism ni Ethiopia, WE call upon H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, to be the IGAD Tourism champion and urge the Africa Union to consider this endorsement as
well for a period of 3 years in line with monitoring and evaluation framework of the STMP 2024- 2034.
We appreciate the Financial and technical support provided by the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa (UNECA), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Done in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on the 18th of September 2024.
For the Republic of Djibouti
SE. Mohamed Warsama Dirieh Ministre du Commerce et du Tourisme Djibouti, République ed Djibouti
For the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
H.E. Ambassador Nasise Challi Minister of Tourism Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
For the Republic of Kenya
Hon Rebecca Miano, EGH Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism &Wildlife Nairobi, Republic of Kenya
For the Federal Republic of Somalia
Hon. Daud Aweys Jama Minister of Information Culture and Tourism Mogadishu, Federal Government of Somalia
For the Republic of South Sudan
HE Rizik Zakaria Hassan Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Juba, Republic of South Sudan
For the Republic of Uganda
Hon. Bahinduka Martin Mugarra Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Kampala, Republic of Uganda
Download the attached Communiqué in PDF below:
Final Communique on the IGAD STMP 2024-2034 – 18 Sept 2024 Addis Ababa
