Get ready for 2025 as two major Pan African trade events, Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba, prepare to take the spotlight once again, promising to amplify the continent’s tourism and business event sectors. These key gatherings aim to foster international collaborations, create valuable networking opportunities, and unlock new avenues for economic impact and growth across Africa.Meetings Africa, renowned as the continent’s leading business events trade show, will return from February 24th to 26th, 2025, at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Hosted by South African Tourism in collaboration with the Gauteng Tourism Authority and Johannesburg Tourism Company, this event is set to showcase Africa’s flourishing business events industry. This year, the focus will remain on advancing collaboration within the sector, bringing together industry professionals, decision-makers, and global buyers for impactful discussions and partnerships.
The event will kick off with a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on February 24, offering attendees the chance to initiate new connections, explore joint ventures, and gain valuable industry insights. With its theme, “Africa’s Success Built on Quality Connections,” Meetings Africa underscores the power of strong business relationships in driving the continent’s economic growth and fostering innovation. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring expert-led workshops, dynamic exhibitor showcases, and keynote speeches from thought leaders shaping the future of African business events.
Reflecting on the success of the 2024 event, Meetings Africa attracted 382 exhibitors from 22 African countries, drawing 371 international and local buyers and 3,480 delegates. Over 8,150 meetings took place, exemplifying the event’s role in creating substantial business opportunities. The show also highlighted Africa’s growing entrepreneurial spirit, with 25 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) presenting innovative solutions. The event’s impact extended beyond business, contributing R420 million to South Africa’s GDP and creating over 770 jobs, alongside promoting sustainable practices and supporting small local businesses.
“Meetings Africa 2025 is not just a trade show; it’s a catalyst for business success,” said Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille. “We’re excited to welcome exhibitors and buyers from across Africa and the world, creating opportunities that contribute significantly to South Africa’s economy.”
Meanwhile, Africa’s Travel Indaba, scheduled for May 12th to 15th, 2025, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban, will once again shine a spotlight on Africa’s leisure tourism offerings. Partnering with Durban Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission, the event aims to promote the continent’s rich and diverse tourism experiences. As with Meetings Africa, a Business Opportunity Networking Day will be held, offering a platform for industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and foster collaborative growth.
The 2024 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba saw remarkable growth, with 9,280 registered delegates and 24,000 meetings between exhibitors and buyers. The event was a significant economic driver for Durban, contributing R226 million directly and generating a further R333 million in spillover effects, resulting in over 1,000 new jobs, particularly benefiting the youth. Minister de Lille emphasized, “Africa’s Travel Indaba continues to be the premier Pan African leisure tourism trade show, showcasing the best the continent has to offer and strengthening partnerships across the global tourism industry.”
Looking ahead to 2025, both Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba are set to elevate Africa’s tourism and business events sectors to new heights. By facilitating meaningful connections between African exhibitors and international buyers, these events will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global business and leisure travel, further positioning Africa as a top destination for major conferences, exhibitions, and tourism.
