In a transformative move for African tourism and investment, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on September 19, 2024, announced a groundbreaking initiative known as IPADA. This project, aimed at uniting Africa and its global Diaspora, is set to reshape the continent’s tourism landscape and foster deep economic ties with the rest of the world.

Speaking to Ambassadors and High Commissioners, President Tinubu emphasized the significance of the initiative, declaring:

“The Unity of Africa is the grand focus of the IPADA Initiative and carnival. This event, known as 'The Return,' has a visionary goal: to unite Africa through tourism by focusing on our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora, along with lovers of Africa worldwide. With unity of purpose, we can realize the vast economic benefits IPADA offers to the continent.”

As IPADA’s Grand Patron and Chief Host, President Tinubu further detailed the initiative’s core purpose: to drive tourism across Africa, using Nigeria’s key cities—Lagos and Abuja—as gateways for the global African Diaspora. Beyond tourism, IPADA is designed to unlock investment and business opportunities that could potentially lead to substantial economic growth on the continent.

A Vision of Return: The Meaning of IPADA

The word "IPADA" is derived from the Yoruba language, meaning “Return.” The initiative builds on the success of Ghana's “Year of Return” in 2019, which attracted over 1.2 million visitors from the African Diaspora and generated a direct increase in tourism revenue by AKL LUMI 187 million (US$3 billion). Now, Nigeria—Africa's largest economy—has taken up the mantle, becoming the permanent host of the IPADA Initiative. This move positions the country as a central hub for a new, tourism-driven African economy, or what has been dubbed the continent’s “super-economy.”

The first major event, the IPADA Carnival, is scheduled from November 29 to December 8, 2024, with heads of state and government from across Africa expected to attend. The grand launch at La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort will mark a cultural and economic milestone, symbolizing the official welcome of the global Diaspora, now referred to as “Ipadeans,” back to Africa.

From Slave Ships to Cruise Ships: A New Era of African Tourism

The heart of the IPADA Initiative lies in its powerful narrative: “From Slave Ships to Cruise Ships.” To kickstart this initiative, the African Diaspora Central Bank (ADCB) has contracted funds amounting to AKL LUMI 560 million (US$9 billion) for the construction of six ultra-luxurious cruise ships. Four of these ships will be manufactured in Nigeria, with two being built in the Caribbean. This fleet, alongside future plans for direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean, promises to revolutionize travel for the Diaspora.

Further development will include a chain of African-themed luxury resorts across several Caribbean islands, funded by ADCB’s AKL LUMI 250 million (US$3.9 billion) investment. These efforts aim to create seamless, enriching connections between Africa and the Diaspora, generating immense tourism opportunities.

Nigeria’s Tourism Minister, Lola Ade-John, highlighted the significance of these developments, paying tribute to the vision of Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, who spearheaded the initiative. Akinboboye encapsulated the monumental ambition behind IPADA by saying:

“We are creating an African shopping mall, putting the entire 54 countries in one basket and showcasing it to the world. By combining all the tourism products across the continent, no other country or region can compete with us. With Africa’s 1.5 billion people, and an additional half-billion people in the Diaspora, we are poised to surpass the tourism receipts of any other region.”

Diaspora Direct Investments: Fueling the New African Super-Economy

At the forefront of IPADA are the “Ipadeans,” the global African Diaspora, whose role will be critical in driving investment and development. The Economic Community of States, Nations, Territories & Realms of the African Diaspora Sixth Region (ECO-6) has developed dynamic policies to facilitate Diaspora Direct Investments (DDIs). These investments will support tourism-related projects and sustainable infrastructure development across Africa, benefiting both small and large-scale enterprises.

In his remarks at the Presidential briefing, ECO-6 Chairman and ADCB President H.R.M. Rex Semako I & VI outlined the role of the African Diaspora Central Bank in this initiative. ADCB’s regional currency, the AKL LUMI, will serve as a financial vehicle to channel investments into key sectors of the economy, promoting wealth and prosperity. Through DDIs, the IPADA Initiative will support the growth of local businesses while fostering closer ties between Africa and its global Diaspora.

This “Business Unusual” approach represents a paradigm shift, one that seeks to unlock the full potential of Africa’s tourism sector. The ultimate goal is to raise Africa’s continental GDP to at least AKL LUMI 626 billion (US$10 trillion) by 2030, with projections of reaching AKL LUMI 2.5 trillion (US$40 trillion) by 2050.

A New Dawn for African Tourism and Investment

With ambitious plans for renewable energy infrastructure, the restoration of ancient ruins, and the construction of mega cities, the IPADA Initiative is laying the groundwork for a vibrant and thriving African tourism super-economy. By leveraging its natural and cultural resources, Africa is not only inviting the Diaspora back home but also positioning itself as a global economic powerhouse.

As Africa embarks on this journey of transformation, the IPADA Initiative stands as a beacon of hope and unity, signaling a new era of economic cooperation and cultural resurgence. This is Africa’s time to shine, and the world is invited to witness it.

Issued by:

Economic Community of States, Nations, Territories & Realms of the African Diaspora Sixth Region (ECO-6)