The Burkinabé Minister of Tourism, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, officially opened the AES Tourism Forum in Ouagadougou on September 23, 2026. The forum is being held on the sidelines of the 16th edition of the Ouagadougou International Tourism and Hospitality Fair (SITHO), which will run from September 22 to 27, 2026. The theme of the forum is "Integrated Investment and Economic Sovereignty: Building a Competitive Sahelian Tourism Destination".
The forum aims to provide a platform for dialogue, experience sharing, and reflection on the prospects for tourism development in the Sahel region. Bassolma Bazié, President of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States (CN-CES) and patron of the forum, welcomed the initiative, highlighting the rich natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He noted that the region's diverse landscapes, traditions, and artistic expressions offer significant potential for economic and social development.
Bazié emphasized that the Confederation of Sahel States offers an opportunity to rethink complementarities and build initiatives that transcend national borders. He believes that tourism can be a key driver of economic integration in the region. The forum's theme reflects a concern for the future of the confederal space and the need to better valorize the region's resources and develop a common approach.
Minister Ouédraogo highlighted the significance of holding the forum on the sidelines of SITHO, saying it demonstrates the government's commitment to making tourism a space for discovery, cooperation, investment, and wealth creation. He emphasized that the forum's theme invites a renewed focus on tourism investment and the need to modernize the sector, strengthen the capacities of actors, and develop strategies to attract local and foreign visitors.
Ouédraogo called on participants to engage in frank discussions and propose realistic solutions to inform public policies and open up new perspectives for investors and sector professionals. He encouraged them to work together to make Sahelian tourism a symbol of resilience, prosperity, and shared pride. The forum brings together stakeholders from the tourism sector to discuss ways to develop a competitive Sahelian tourism destination.
The 16th edition of SITHO is expected to attract investors, professionals, and enthusiasts from across the region. The event provides a platform for showcasing the region's tourism potential and attracting investment to develop the sector. The AES Tourism Forum is an important initiative aimed at promoting regional cooperation and sustainable tourism development in the Sahel region.
The forum's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategy for tourism development in the Sahel region. The strategy will aim to promote economic integration, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Key stakeholders will work together to implement the strategy and ensure the long-term sustainability of Sahelian tourism.
Key points
- The AES Tourism Forum aims to develop a competitive Sahelian tourism destination through integrated investment and economic sovereignty.
- The forum promotes regional cooperation and sustainable tourism development in the Sahel region.
- The event brings together stakeholders to discuss ways to valorize the region's natural, cultural, and historical heritage.
