The Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit & Challenge (AYTIS) has announced its Top 20 finalists for the 2025 edition, set to take place from 24 to 27 June in Midrand, Johannesburg.

These dynamic young innovators, selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants across the continent, represent the future of tourism entrepreneurship in Africa.

Organised in partnership with the Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance (ATPSA), 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.

Meet the 2025 Top 20 Finalists:

​•​Bris Agro Safaris (U) Limited - Brenda Kakungulu Asasira, Uganda
 

​•​Eco-Tourism Ventures - Neerali Solanki, Tanzania
 

​•​Lowapi Drone Light Shows - Mmoloki Pitse, Botswana
 

​•​Sea Pirate Tours - Chandraveer Lutchmun, Mauritius
 

​•​Dosy Bikes - Nouran Farouk, Egypt
 

​•​Beauriful Zambia - Edgar Mwila, Zambia
 

​•​Mindsinaction STEAM Centre PTY LTD - Ndaudika Mulundileni, Namibia
 

​•​Ubuntu Aquatics CC - Octavius Maketo, Namibia
 

​•​Nation Excellency LLC - Apollinaire Junior Mabiala, Congo (Brazzaville)
 

​•​Ugrr.net - Chukwudi Dike, Nigeria
 

​•​Trvelr - Balmun Daniel, Nigeria
 

​•​CHUNZI Technologies - Bruno Komurubga, Uganda
 

​•​Pride Plains - Mokenti Samuel, Botswana
 

​•​Travel Buddies Zambia - Busiku Cheelo, Zambia
 

​•​Exploradio Audio Guide Namibia Mobile App- Andreas Leonard, Namibia
 

​•​Eastville Chemakuti Sustainable Ecotourism Travels - Leon Chaperuka, Zimbabwe
 

​•​Terrah Origin - Abdulhamid Idris, Nigeria
 

​•​Maboneng Township Arts Experience - Siphiwe Ngwenya, South Africa
 

​•​Eco Tourism Digital Passport - Lillian Mumbi, Zambia
 

​•​EcoYouth Travel Burundi (EYTB) - Methode Minani, Burundi
 

These finalists will now move on to the AYTIS Innovation Challenge Bootcamp - an intensive mentorship and training programme designed to refine their business models. From this cohort, a panel of expert judges will select the top five ventures, who will then pitch their ideas live at the summit for a chance to win funding, recognition, and support to scale their solutions.

More than a summit - a movement for change

In addition to highlighting youth innovation, the 2025 summit will feature 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.

“Partnering with AYTIS is a meaningful step towards shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for tourism in Africa,” said Suzan M. Ongalo, Chairperson of ATPSA. “We believe this summit will provide young leaders with the tools, networks and exposure needed to scale their solutions and drive real impact.”

Key themes to be explored at the summit include capital raising for start-ups, intellectual property protection for creatives and tourism entrepreneurs, inclusive community tourism, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in hospitality and travel.

Join the movement

Registrations remain open for participants, exhibitors and delegates. Visit www.youthtourismsummit.com to register and engage with the future of Africa’s tourism sector.

As the countdown to the 7th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit begins, the spotlight shines brightly on these 20 remarkable young minds - ready to reimagine and reshape the future of tourism on the continent.