New Opportunities for Africa’s Tourism Through Sustainable Infrastructure

Africa`s Tourism Profits from Sustainable Infrastructure Projects

At the recently held African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa, investments in sustainable projects were a central topic, highlighting initiatives that combine economic growth with environmental responsibility. While these discussions set the broader stage, new infrastructure projects in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Angola are independently opening promising avenues to advance Africa’s tourism sector, while at the same time promoting sustainable development and local economies.

Ethiopia’s New Nile Dam: Power Generation Meets Nature Tourism

With the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), one of Africa’s largest hydropower plants has gone into operation. Beyond providing renewable energy for millions of people, the dam also holds enormous tourism potential.

The reservoir stretches across 1,700 square kilometers and features more than 70 islands rich in biodiversity. This scenic variety creates opportunities for eco-tourism, including boat tours, birdwatching, and cultural experiences, supported by local communities such as the Berta, Gumuz, Mao, Komo, and Shinasha. A planned floating resort is set to serve as a model for sustainable tourism development.

Accessibility and high-quality accommodations will be key for building a thriving tourism offering. At the same time, protecting the environment remains essential to preserve the natural appeal of the region.

Rwanda Introduces Africa’s First Electric Air Taxi: Innovation for Tourism

Rwanda is pursuing alternative, sustainable solutions for urban and regional passenger transport. During the Aviation Africa 2025 Summit in Kigali, the country unveiled Africa’s first autonomous electric air taxi — a historic milestone and a strong signal that innovation can emerge directly from the African continent.

For tourism, this breakthrough opens entirely new possibilities: in the near future, travelers could reach remote national parks, volcanic landscapes, or lakes in just minutes. The two-seater aircraft, powered by 16 electric motors, can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h, significantly reducing travel times and connecting hard-to-reach regions. The launch also underscores Rwanda’s role as a pioneer in sustainable mobility and technology in Africa.

Angola’s Lobito Corridor: A Railway as Africa’s Tourism Backbone

The Lobito Corridor connects the port of Lobito in Angola with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The historic 1,300-kilometer railway has been under modernization since 2018 and is already fully operational on the Angolan side, with regular freight services. Expansion in the DRC and Zambia is still underway.

While the corridor primarily strengthens trade, it also carries immense tourism potential. Improved accessibility will open up natural and cultural attractions along the route — from the Atlantic coastline through the Huambo Plateau with its scenic highlands and fertile valleys to the vast eastern steppes.

Luxury operator Rovos Rail already uses parts of the Lobito line for journeys along the historic Benguela Railway, with routes from Lobito to the Victoria Falls. Its exclusive Copper Trail passes through Angola, the DRC, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, combining dramatic landscapes with cultural highlights, safari experiences, and river excursions.

By creating targeted tourism offerings and involving local communities, the Lobito Corridor could become a flagship route for sustainable and cross-border tourism in Africa — strengthening regional integration while generating new economic opportunities.

“These projects, initiated from within Africa, clearly demonstrate how sustainable infrastructure can drive not only trade but also tourism as a vital growth engine. Investments in mobility, energy, and the environment create the foundation for more travelers — from Africa and beyond — to experience the continent’s diversity beyond the well-known hotspots, while ensuring that local communities benefit.”
— Hanna Kleber, Founder of Voice4Africa