Nigeria Introduces Free E-Visa System, Radisson Upskills in Lagos, and More
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Nigeria rolls out free e-visa and digital travel cards
- Radisson Hotel Group brings live training to Lagos
- Smart tax strategies for independent event planners
- Zambia hosts key tourism education summit
Nigeria’s Free E-Visa & Digital Travel Cards: Easier Travel, Stronger Security
Starting May 1st, 2025, Nigeria will introduce a free e-visa system and digital travel cards, marking a major shift in its immigration process. Spearheaded by the Ministries of Aviation and Interior, this initiative is set to eliminate the need for physical paperwork, allowing travelers to manage visa applications and travel documentation entirely online. Travelers will no longer fill out landing and exit forms on arrival; instead, everything must be done digitally before boarding a flight to Nigeria.
The move is designed to simplify entry into the country while tightening border security. A central visa approval center within the Immigration headquarters will review applications with the support of advanced screening technologies and dedicated officers trained in international security protocols. This blend of convenience and vigilance ensures that Nigeria stays open to international business and tourism, without compromising its safety.
Minister Festus Keyamo and Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo have reiterated the dual goal of the program: improving the ease of travel and strengthening national surveillance systems. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will supervise the execution of digital documentation, ensuring compliance across all points of entry. The commitment to seamless yet secure travel reflects a broader vision of modernizing Nigeria’s gateway to the world.
Radisson Academy Goes Live in Lagos: Upskilling African Hospitality Talent
Radisson Hotel Group has officially launched its first live Radisson Academy in Lagos, marking a significant step in its drive to grow hospitality talent across Africa. Since 2019, the academy has delivered over 2,500 training programs and cemented its role as a dynamic pillar of professional development within the group. With this move, Radisson aims to deepen its investment in its people, creating practical pathways for their career advancement and impact.
The Lagos-based program brings live workshops into focus, designed specifically for African professionals navigating a competitive and ever-evolving industry. Through tailored learning experiences—ranging from hands-on training to industry certifications—the academy equips team members with both the practical and leadership skills needed to thrive. These workshops are intended to strengthen local expertise while fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce across the region.
Radisson refers to its staff as “Moment Makers”, and this initiative reflects a long-term vision to nurture talent from within, across more than 95 countries. By centering training in Africa, the group sends a strong message about the future of hospitality on the continent. The Lagos launch is not just a milestone—it is a commitment to building sustainable excellence from the ground up.
Stress-Free Taxes for Independent Event Planners: Tips & Strategies
Independent event planners face a unique tax burden, juggling both employer and employee responsibilities for Social Security and Medicare—15.3% on top of federal income tax. Without an HR department or payroll assistance, it’s easy to fall behind. Common mistakes like poor mileage tracking can cost dearly. Each business trip must be clearly recorded with start and end mileage and a stated business purpose. Missing receipts or vague notes can invite audits or lead to lost deductions.
Quarterly estimated tax payments are another pressure point. Avoiding or delaying them can result in penalties and interest charges. Even partial payments help ease that burden. Remember, requesting a filing extension doesn’t delay payment deadlines—it only buys time to file the paperwork. Proactive planning, such as forming an LLC or electing S Corp status, can protect personal assets and reduce tax preparation headaches. These structures provide safeguards in case of litigation and can offer tax advantages compared to operating as a sole proprietor.
The mid-year check-in with an accountant, ideally around July 1st, isn’t just good advice—it’s a strategic move. Tax law changes, personal income shifts, or new business activities can all impact your planning. These sessions ensure you’re not caught off guard come year’s end and help you stay compliant while minimizing liabilities. For independent planners, peace of mind starts with a system and ends with preparation.
Zambia’s Tourism Education Summit: Shaping Africa’s Workforce
Zambia took a strategic step forward in developing Africa’s tourism workforce by hosting the 3rd Travel, Hospitality & Tourism Education Summit from April 7–9, 2025, at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre. Organized by the Zambia Institute for Tourism and Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the summit brought education and industry leaders together under the theme: “Understanding the Knowledge and Skills Gaps in Africa’s Trade in Services Industry: Empowering Africa’s Workforce in the AfCFTA Era.”
Discussions focused on how to align tourism education with the demands of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a growing economic framework shaping many sectors across the continent. Speakers from ZITHS, Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism, the EU Delegation, the ILO, and Diageo Products PLC emphasized the urgency of closing the tourism skills gap. UNWTO’s top leadership, including Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and Executive Director Natalia Bayona, reinforced the global importance of this African initiative.
The event featured workshops tailored for educational institutions, aiming to introduce practical, competency-based training inspired by the reintroduced UNWTO Tourism Education Guidelines. And it couldn’t have come at a better time—coinciding with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan, which places tourism at the heart of economic growth. The summit was more than a gathering; it was a committed step towards building a skilled, future-ready African tourism workforce.
That’s it for today.