Morocco first in Africa to open UN tourism innovation hub
New Rabat office aims to boost tourism innovation, digital skills, and entrepreneurship across Africa under UN Agenda 2030 framework
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — Morocco has inaugurated the United Nations Tourism Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in its capital, marking the first such facility on the continent and reinforcing the country’s growing role in shaping regional tourism development.
The office was officially launched by Morocco’s Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor alongside UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nowais.
It is designed to support the UN Tourism Agenda 2030 for Africa by positioning tourism as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and digital transformation.
Officials said the new hub will function as an operational platform focused on training programs, innovation forums, and support for startups, with particular emphasis on strengthening skills for a rapidly digitizing tourism sector across African countries.
The UN Tourism Secretary-General described the initiative as a practical action-oriented structure rather than a symbolic institution, aimed at accelerating entrepreneurship and enhancing workforce readiness for future tourism markets.
Morocco, which is targeting 20 million international visitors annually, sees the office as part of a broader strategy to position itself as a regional leader and innovation gateway for Africa’s tourism industry.
Minister Ammor said the initiative reflects Morocco’s commitment to South-South cooperation and its ambition to act as a reliable partner for international organizations working on sustainable development in Africa.
The establishment of the office follows a series of agreements signed in 2025 in Marrakech and Segovia, which laid the legal and operational foundation for the new institution.
Authorities say the Rabat hub is expected to foster cross-border collaboration, encourage innovation-driven tourism models, and create new employment opportunities for young people while strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Africa’s tourism sector.
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