Luanda, Angola | 17–19 June 2026
GapEdu – Global Consultancy on Development Policy and Practice proudly served as a key co-organizer of the Global Tourism Forum Angola Investment Summit 2026, one of Africa’s premier platforms for tourism investment, policy dialogue, and international cooperation.
Held in Luanda from 17–19 June 2026, the summit brought together an exceptional network of leaders from governments, intergovernmental organizations, development institutions, global hospitality brands, investment funds, and the wider tourism sector. More than a participant, GapEdu played a strategic role in shaping the summit’s content, stakeholder engagement, and partnership outcomes.
Driving High-Level Dialogue and Collaboration
Throughout the preparation and delivery of the summit, GapEdu contributed to the successful convening of global decision-makers and industry leaders. The organization’s efforts focused on ensuring that discussions translated into meaningful opportunities for investment, cooperation, and sustainable tourism development.
Speaker Engagement and Programme Development
GapEdu led the identification, invitation, and coordination of distinguished speakers from across the public and private sectors. These included policymakers, tourism leaders, investors, and development experts whose collective expertise covered tourism, hospitality, infrastructure, finance, aviation, technology, and destination development.
The GapEdu team also worked closely with moderators and event hosts to align speakers with the most relevant discussions, ensuring that each session delivered valuable insights and practical outcomes. Throughout the summit, the team provided ongoing programme support, adapting to real-time developments while maintaining the strategic objectives of the event.
Supporting Sponsorship and Private-Sector Partnerships
As part of its contribution to the summit, GapEdu worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism of Angola to support the development and implementation of sponsorship opportunities. This included advising on sponsorship documentation, partnership frameworks, and engagement strategies for local sponsors.
By helping transform sponsorship opportunities into concrete partnerships, GapEdu contributed to strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors and supporting the successful delivery of the summit.
Facilitating Business-to-Intergovernmental Engagement
One of GapEdu’s most significant contributions was facilitating direct engagement between businesses, governments, and international institutions. Through bilateral meetings and strategic introductions, GapEdu created opportunities for Business-to-Intergovernmental (B2IG) dialogue, helping connect private-sector stakeholders with key policymakers and institutional leaders.
These engagements reinforced the importance of collaboration in advancing tourism investment, economic growth, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Connecting Global Leaders
The summit welcomed an impressive lineup of international leaders, including:
Public and Intergovernmental Leaders
- H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General, UN Tourism
- H.E. Francisca Tatchouop Belobe, Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry & Minerals, African Union Commission (AUC)
- Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, South Africa
- Senior government officials, tourism authorities, and policymakers from across Africa and beyond
Private Sector and Investment Leaders
- Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
- Olivier Granet, Managing Partner & Co-CEO, KASADA Capital Management
- Senior executives from Hilton, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group, and TUI Hotels & Resorts
- Representatives from development finance institutions, banks, sovereign wealth funds, and investment organizations
https://live.worldtourismforum.net/news/WTFI-News
Leadership in Action
Representing GapEdu, Co-Founder & CEO Jyrki Nilson and Founder Hanni Tran personally led stakeholder engagement, speaker coordination, partnership development, sponsorship advisory support, and strategic facilitation throughout the summit.
Their efforts reflected GapEdu’s broader mission: bridging the gap between policy and practice, connecting stakeholders across sectors, and creating pathways for sustainable development through partnership and knowledge exchange.
As the summit concluded, GapEdu reaffirmed its commitment to supporting governments, institutions, and businesses in developing innovative solutions that generate long-term economic and social impact.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Angola, the Ministry of Tourism of Angola, the World Tourism Forum Institute, UN Tourism, and all partners, sponsors, speakers, and delegates whose collaboration contributed to the success of the summit.
“True leadership is measured not by the conversations we host, but by the partnerships we create and the impact they generate. The Angola Investment Summit 2026 was a powerful example of how collaboration between governments, international organizations, and businesses can unlock new opportunities for sustainable tourism and economic development. GapEdu is proud to have played a role in turning dialogue into action.”
About GapEdu
GapEdu – Global Consultancy on Development Policy and Practice works at the intersection of policy, education, capacity building, and international development, connecting governments, businesses, and institutions to transform ideas into action and partnerships into lasting impact.
Building bridges between business, policy, and practice to create lasting impact worldwide.