Emirates Strengthens African Growth Strategy as Airline Receives Travel Gold Award for Excellence
Emirates has reaffirmed its accelerating growth and influence across Africa, highlighting its deepening commitment to the continent’s tourism, trade and cultural sectors.
Paulos Legesse, Emirates Country Manager for Nigeria, said the airline’s rising performance in the market reflects both expanding customer trust and the strength of its global network.
Legesse made the remarks while reacting to the Travel Gold Award for Excellence which the global airline recently received in Nigeria.
“This award reflects the trust and confidence Nigerian travellers place in Emirates. Our commitment goes far beyond operating flights — we strive to deliver a seamless, world-class travel experience at every touchpoint. From our onboard comfort to our hospitality on the ground and our extensive global network, we aim to make every journey exceptional,” Legesse noted.
He added: “Since launching operations in Nigeria, Emirates has proudly served as a gateway between Africa and Dubai, connecting Nigerian travellers not only to the UAE but to more than 150 destinations worldwide. We remain committed to opening doors for Nigerians in business, leisure, education, and culture through unmatched connectivity and service excellence.”
Emirates’ expanding footprint and sustained investment in African markets were underscored at the Africa Tourism & Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE) in Abuja, where the airline received the Travel Gold Award of Excellence for Connecting Africa to the World.
The recognition, presented in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, cited Emirates’ role in advancing African tourism, deepening trade links and supporting cultural exchange.
The Expo also saw the unveiling of Nigeria’s first “Culture Meter Index,” a tool designed to track Africa’s tourism data, competitiveness and sectoral progress.
The index aligns with Nigeria’s wider tourism development agenda, which seeks to modernise infrastructure, elevate hospitality standards and strengthen air connectivity with major global markets.
Emirates’ collaboration with several African tourism authorities — including Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy — is part of a broader industry push to increase visitor inflows and spotlight Africa as a competitive global destination.
Chuks Akamadu, CEO of Africultour Limited, commended Emirates for consistently raising industry benchmarks and advancing the continent’s tourism ambitions.
He noted that the airline has “raised the standard of international travel, championed regional tourism, and played a pivotal role in connecting Africa to the world,” adding that AFTCREE will continue to serve as “a unique platform for African nations to leverage their cultural and creative assets to drive trade, investment, and sustainable growth.”
