Setting against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Falls, a critical conversation about the future of African tourism unfolded.
From April 29 to May 1, 2026, the 2nd UN Tourism Regional Congress on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Africa brought together policymakers and industry leaders to confront a clear imbalance.
Women make up the majority of the tourism workforce, yet remain underrepresented in leadership.
This year’s theme, “Advancing from Empowerment to Leadership,” signaled a shift from discussion to action. The focus moved beyond general empowerment toward breaking real barriers such as limited access to finance, weak mentorship pipelines, and institutional bias that keeps women out of decision-making roles.
During key discussions, including the panel on turning policy into practice, one message stood out. The issue is not a lack of talent. It is a lack of structured pathways that allow women to rise into leadership.
Representing Uganda, Juliana Kaggwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, brought a strong and practical perspective. Her contribution reinforced the need to move beyond entry-level inclusion toward deliberate leadership development.
“It is no longer enough to bring women into the sector. The focus must now shift to creating clear pathways into leadership.”
Across the congress, experts agreed that tourism’s growth depends on fixing this imbalance. While the sector is often seen as accessible to women, many remain stuck at micro-level operations due to limited financing, visibility, and support systems.
For Uganda, participation at this level reflects a broader strategy. The country is positioning its tourism sector not just for growth, but for competitiveness on the global stage. Strengthening leadership, especially among women, is part of building a more resilient and professional industry.
This momentum also aligns with upcoming tourism engagements back home, including platforms like the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo, where Uganda will host global travel partners and showcase its offerings. These platforms create real opportunities for the leadership and structural changes discussed in Victoria Falls to be implemented on home soil.
Three key priorities emerged clearly;
● Expanding access to funding for women-led tourism businesses
● Setting measurable targets for leadership representation
● Strengthening mentorship and visibility for emerging leaders
As the congress closed, one message remained clear. Africa’s tourism sector cannot reach its full potential if leadership does not reflect the workforce behind it.
The real test now shifts from conversation to execution. For Uganda, the opportunity lies in turning global dialogue into local impact, ensuring that leadership in tourism evolves alongside its growth.