Africa Travel WeekICRT global launched a major new white paper for WTM Africa on Tourism and the Wildlife Economy in Africa. The report is the focus of dedicated panel discussions at WTM Africa 2026 in Cape Town and argues that Africa’s wildlife is a globally significant economic asset, but one whose potential remains under-realised because too many countries rely on a narrow set of tourism activities. Tourism already contributes USD 168 billion to Africa’s GDP, yet the authors warn that over-dependence on photographic tourism leaves communities and conservation systems vulnerable, as demonstrated during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The report is authored by Dr Dilys Roe of the Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Dr Susan Snyman director of research School of Wildlife Conservation at African Leadership University and Professor Emeritus Harold Goodwin ICRT global founder, with contributions from Dr Frank Vorhies and Dr Wiseman Ndlovu of the African Wildlife Economy Institute.
The panel discussion on responsible tourism across Africa will run on Tuesday 14 April from 15.00 to 15.30 in the Inspire Theatre at WTM Africa in Cape Town. Ruth Crichton, regional head of Africa for The Long Run and ICRT Southern Africa will moderate including a video presentation by Harold Goodwin and contributions from Thuens Viven, destination development manager for the City of Cape Town.
The white paper concludes that a diversified wildlife economy is essential for resilience. It highlights five key opportunity areas: ecotourism, hunting and fishing, wildlife ranching, forest products and carbon markets. Enterprises that combined multiple revenue streams were far more resilient during global shocks.
The report emphasises that communities must benefit meaningfully if conservation is to succeed. Rural communities often bear the costs of living with wildlife, from crop losses to livestock predation. The authors argue that wildlife will only survive where it delivers tangible and sustained benefits to local people.
The report also stresses that both consumptive and non-consumptive tourism have a role to play. It challenges the idea that photographic tourism alone can finance conservation. Regulated hunting and fishing, although contentious for some, can generate high value income in remote areas that are unsuitable for photographic tourism and can help maintain large conservation landscapes.
Another key conclusion is that wildlife-based land uses must be economically competitive with agriculture, mining and infrastructure expansion. With Africa’s population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, conservation will only endure if wildlife can compete with other land use options.
Responsible tourism is presented as central to a sustainable wildlife economy. The report calls for tourism models that reduce pressure on wildlife, avoid overtourism and integrate local supply chains, including game meat and forest products such as honey and coffee.
The white paper includes case studies from across the continent. These include !Xaus Lodge in South Africa, a community owned lodge generating more than ZAR 2 million in annual community benefits. Foxes Safaris in Tanzania demonstrates how tourism, agriculture and community development can be integrated. Mount Etjo Safari Lodge in Namibia shows how photo tourism, hunting, game meat production and live animal sales can combine to create a financially and ecologically sustainable enterprise.
These examples illustrate that diversification strengthens conservation outcomes, stabilises revenue and increases community participation. Launching at WTM Africa 2026, this white paper provides a roadmap for governments, private operators, conservationists and communities seeking to build wildlife economies that are inclusive, resilient and economically viable. It calls for a shift in mindset, from viewing wildlife as a cost or constraint to recognising it as a competitive economic advantage for Africa that can support livelihoods, protect biodiversity and drive sustainable development.
The report can be viewed and downloaded here
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