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The African Tourism Board (ATB) has announced the appointment of Adefunke O. Oni as its Deputy Secretary General, a move aimed at strengthening the organisation’s leadership capacity and accelerating its agenda to promote tourism-led development and creative industry growth across the continent.
Ms. Oni’s elevation follows her impactful tenure as the Board’s Global Ambassador for Nigeria, during which she played a pivotal role in advancing international engagement and cultural exchange initiatives. Her new role places her at the centre of the Board’s policy execution and strategic coordination across member states.
With more than a decade and a half of experience spanning tourism advisory, international relations, and creative sector advocacy, Ms. Oni is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with a strong track record in bridging public sector priorities with private enterprise innovation. She will continue to serve concurrently as a Senior Consultant to the Office of the Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy.
The Executive Chairman of the African Tourism Board described the appointment as a deliberate step toward deepening Africa’s influence within the global tourism landscape.
“Adefunke O. Oni brings an exceptional blend of expertise, international exposure, and strategic insight. Her leadership will be critical as we intensify efforts to position Africa as a competitive and sustainable tourism destination while ensuring that the sector delivers measurable economic value for our people,” he said.
An alumna of the Rome Business School in Italy, where she obtained an Executive Master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Ms. Oni has built an extensive portfolio across advisory, entrepreneurship, and international partnerships.
She is the founder and chief executive of Asanova Advisory Ltd, WECREATIVE Nation Ltd, and LABALÁBÁ Travel and Tours Ltd, organisations that focus on global mobility consulting, cultural promotion, and travel services. Her work also includes acting as a liaison between E.A.T.O.W. GLOBAL and Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture, fostering collaboration on cross-border cultural and tourism initiatives.
In addition to her professional engagements, Ms. Oni maintains an active presence in global leadership networks. She serves as the Regional Chair for South West Nigeria under G100 and has been appointed Rotary International Image Chair for the 2026/2027 Rotary year, reflecting her ongoing commitment to leadership development, women’s empowerment, and community impact.
As Deputy Secretary General, she will oversee the Secretariat’s operations and lead programmes focused on regional cooperation, sustainable tourism development, and expanding opportunities within Africa’s creative and hospitality sectors.
Reacting to her appointment, Ms. Oni expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her and reaffirmed her dedication to advancing Africa’s tourism agenda.
“This role presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth of a sector that holds immense potential for Africa’s economic transformation and cultural visibility. I am committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders to build a more integrated and globally competitive tourism ecosystem,” she stated.
The African Tourism Board noted that her appointment aligns with its broader objective of reinforcing institutional leadership while driving policies that support tourism as a catalyst for economic resilience, cultural diplomacy, and sustainable development across the continent.
