International soccer star Didier Drogba has played a pivotal role in securing commitments totaling $15 billion (UShs 55 trillion) to support tourism projects in his home country, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). This significant achievement comes ahead of the UNWTO Forum for Africa, scheduled to take place in Abidjan from February 20-22, and the Forum de l’Investissement Hotelier Africain (FIHA) set for March 23-25.

FIHA is renowned for connecting new investors with developers, consultants, contractors, hoteliers, and political leaders. As a UN world tourism ambassador and former Chelsea striker, Drogba has been instrumental in promoting Côte d’Ivoire as a burgeoning tourist destination. The country experienced an impressive GDP growth rate of approximately 8% in 2019 and ranks third in Sub-Saharan Africa for international visitors, attracting 2 million travelers, trailing only South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of Bench Events, which organizes FIHA, remarked, “Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts are extraordinary and impressive. This year’s Forum is particularly exciting as funding commitments are secured, and now the focus is on making these projects a reality.” Last year’s FIHA in Marrakech drew 300 delegates from 28 countries.

Under the initiative “Sublime Côte d’Ivoire,” Drogba was part of a team of prominent Ivorian business and political figures, as well as entertainment personalities, who traveled to Dubai and Hamburg. Their efforts resulted in over $15 billion in funding commitments for various tourism projects, including hotels, resorts, and coastal developments. All backers are invited to participate in FIHA.

Philippe Doizelet, Managing Partner of Horwath HTL, the world’s leading hospitality consultancy, has been guiding Côte d’Ivoire’s tourism initiatives. He noted, “This is a blank canvas for the industry, offering exciting opportunities for development. Much needs to be built—hotels, cultural centers, and conference facilities, among others.”

Côte d’Ivoire’s stunning coastline presents excellent “bleisure” (business and leisure) opportunities, with promising locations beyond Abidjan, such as Boulay Island, Bassam, and Jacqueville. Doizelet sees significant potential in mixed-use projects that combine leisure, office, and retail spaces with hospitality, particularly in branded 2-star and 3-star hotels and extended-stay apartments.

Tourism Minister Siandou Fofana is leading the country’s vision to position tourism as a cornerstone of the economy. Doizelet describes him as “visionary and deeply committed,” highlighting his efforts to unite stakeholders and attract top experts.

Weihs concluded, “FIHA and the affiliated Africa Hotel Investment Forum are vital in driving investments in regional hotel and mixed-use projects. These events connect key international and regional players, private and institutional investors with hotel developers and operators, fueling growth in the hotel industry across the continent. The projects promoted at FIHA not only drive tourism investments but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance infrastructure in regional markets.”