Uganda Eyes Luxury Tourism Growth, Ethiopian Airlines Enhances Comfort, and More
Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Uganda eyes high-end tourism with new lodges and wildlife experiences
- Ethiopian Airlines upgrades its economy class with lighter, smarter seats
- How to build lasting event sponsor relationships in Africa
- Lagos launches 20-year plan to turn Ibeju-Lekki into an economic powerhouse
Uganda’s Untapped Tourism Potential: Luxury Lodges & Wildlife Adventures
Uganda is steadily emerging as a luxury tourism destination in Africa, thanks to new upscale lodges and a growing reputation for authentic wildlife experiences. With its lush landscapes and diversity of activities—from gorilla trekking in Bwindi to remote safaris in Kidepo—Uganda offers an alternative to the typical East African safari. It’s a place where vibrant cultures meet eco-tourism, where adventure doesn’t come with a luxury price tag.
New investments, particularly in high-end accommodations near national parks, are lining up Uganda to compete with neighbors like Rwanda. These developments aim to attract travelers seeking less-crowded destinations without compromising on comfort. Wildlife diversity, including rich populations of primates and unique bird species, sets Uganda apart from other countries that emphasize big game. Affordability is a major draw, with lower costs for permits and safaris making this an attractive option for international visitors.
Despite this potential, Uganda needs a stronger marketing presence and continued government support to amplify its voice in the global tourism market. Challenges like limited flight access and international perception issues still exist. Yet, for travelers and investors looking for raw beauty, cultural depth, and adventurous value, Uganda is moving into focus—with all the right elements to become a cornerstone of African luxury travel.
Ethiopian Airlines Upgrades to Safran Z400 Seats for New 777-9s
Ethiopian Airlines is raising the bar for passenger comfort by selecting Safran’s Z400 economy seats for its upcoming Boeing 777-9 fleet. This upgrade will be rolled out across eight newly ordered aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin around mid-2027. Each plane will be configured with 383 economy seats, signaling the airline’s commitment to both expansion and a higher in-flight standard.
The Z400 seats are tailored with long-haul travel in mind, offering a more spacious and comfortable experience. Passengers can look forward to upgraded in-flight entertainment through 13-inch screens—an increase from the current 11.6-inch displays. These improvements reflect a thoughtful enhancement of the travel experience, especially on extended international routes.
The design also brings practical advantages for the airline. The seats are 12.5% lighter than previous models, thanks to Safran’s streamlined engineering and use of lightweight materials. This means not only potential cost savings but also improved fuel efficiency. With a partnership history that already includes outfitting the airline’s A350s, Ethiopian Airlines and Safran continue to pursue shared goals of innovation and quality service.
Land Top Sponsors: A Practical Guide for Event Organizers
Securing high-quality sponsors for your MICE event in Africa requires more than logo placements. It’s about creating partnerships that drive value for both sides. Sponsors now expect immersive experiences—think live activations, custom digital features, and exclusive access that engages participants in meaningful ways. If your event offers only exposure, you’re missing the mark.
Start by understanding your audience in detail. Sponsors want to engage with a clearly defined community that matches their interests and objectives. Build targeted pitches for companies already aligned with your attendee profiles or those active in similar spaces. Use your network—existing relationships can unlock doors that cold emails won’t. Every proposal should emphasize the sponsor’s benefit, focusing on how your event helps meet their goals.
Forget cookie-cutter packages. Craft custom offerings and show a deep understanding of each sponsor’s ambitions. From the first conversation to post-event reports, it’s all about consistency, accountability, and value delivery. Track results, communicate clearly, and follow through. That’s how trust is built, and how one-time deals evolve into long-term industry partnerships.
Lagos’ Ibeju-Lekki: A 20-Year Plan for Economic Growth
Lagos State has launched a transformative 20-year master plan to steer Ibeju-Lekki into a globally competitive economic hub by 2044. This blueprint is a refined version of the existing Lekki plan, designed to harness the unique strengths of Ibeju-Lekki while addressing its evolving challenges. It targets sectors like agriculture, tourism, and marine economy, combining them with advancing infrastructure to create a sustainable, inclusive urban center.
Major ongoing projects such as Dangote Refinery, Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the Deep Seaport already set the groundwork for growth. The new plan builds upon them, incorporating future developments like the proposed Lekki International Airport, Green-Line Rail, and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The focus is not only on attracting investment but on improving lives—through enhanced mass transit, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and resilient community structures.
Crucially, the plan is community-driven. The Lagos State Government is calling on traditional leaders, market heads, and residents to contribute actively. It’s not just about growth—it’s about shared growth that reflects the people’s needs and aspirations. Ibeju-Lekki is being positioned not just as an industrial magnet, but as a place where people can live, work, and thrive.
That’s it for today.