Egypt and Morocco lead on volume and pipeline, while South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius and Uganda offer sharper, more targeted plays for investors seeking exposure to the continent’s travel sector.
Scale leaders
Egypt sits at the top of the list for volume and cash generation. The country reached about 19 million annual visitors and generated more than US$15 billion in tourism revenue in 2025. The government targets 30 million visitors by 2030. Tourism remains a major source of foreign currency and is estimated to support nearly 3 million jobs.
Morocco is close behind on momentum and pipeline. It welcomed a record 19.8 million visitors and generated MAD138 billion in tourism receipts, roughly US$13.5 billion. The sector contributes roughly 6.3% of national GDP. International arrivals rose about 14% year on year in 2025. The country is preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup as part of a joint bid with Spain and Portugal, which may support hotel, transport and leisure investment.
South Africa offers a different mix. Tourism supports about 1.8 million jobs; the GDP share should be separately verified before publication. The country welcomed about 10.5 million international tourists; the source for the 75% SADC-neighbour share should be verified or removed. That mix gives investors exposure to both regional travel and higher-yield leisure segments.
Kenya remains one of Africa’s clearest nature-led tourism markets. Tourism contributes about US$12.7 billion to Kenya’s economy and supports about 1.8 million jobs. Safaris remain the core draw, but the coast and Nairobi’s meetings sector also matter.
Niche growth markets
Mauritius appeals to premium travellers and luxury investors. Its tourism model is built around beaches, culture and high-end accommodation. The sector contributes a significant share of GDP, but the exact percentage should be verified from an official or WTTC source before publication.
Uganda completes the six-country list through adventure and nature tourism. The country is positioned for investors seeking a smaller market with strong product differentiation. Its appeal lies in gorilla tracking, national parks and lake-based leisure, which can support lodges, transport and guided experiences. That gives Uganda a distinct place in the broader African tourism growth trade, even without the scale of Egypt or Morocco.
The wider continent still offers a strong macro case. According to WTTC-style regional estimates cited by secondary analysis, tourism accounts for about 7% of Africa’s GDP and supports 30.2 million jobs. Africa’s hotel and hospitality pipeline is also expanding, with investors chasing safari lodges, eco-resorts, conference hotels and coastal leisure assets.
For investors, the message is clear. Egypt and Morocco suit scale-driven capital. South Africa and Kenya offer depth across multiple segments. Mauritius and Uganda provide tighter niche exposure. The next phase of African tourism growth will likely favour markets that combine demand, infrastructure and policy support.
Executives and fund managers should watch how the UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) updates its Africa forecasts ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle; any link to hospitality investment should be presented as an expectation, not a fact.
