The 19th edition of Meeting Africa, the premier Pan Africa event for the conference, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (mouse) industry, has officially launched today and set a new record of participation and engagement. This year's event boasts 410 exhibitors, including 113 SMMEs, and has over 8,000 confirmation meetings. With over 320 buyers increasing significantly since last year, the African conference continues to grow as a powerful platform to promote Pan-Africa collaboration and economic impact.
The event began on Bondi (Business Opportunity Networking Day). There, industry leaders reinforced the importance of unity in positioning Africa as a continent ready for investment and innovation.
Professor Gregory David, chairman of the SA Tourism Board, has given him a welcome address and welcomed representatives from more than 60 countries, including first-time exhibitors in Morocco, Madagascar, Guinea and Chad. Emphasizing the increasing importance of the mouse sector in Africa, he highlighted the important role in job creation and economic growth.
“Every event we host is an opportunity to showcase our collective strength. For too long, others have been controlling our stories. Today, we It takes ownership of the story. It's a story of strength and resilience,” declared David.
He also highlighted the importance of Bondi as a foundation for industry collaboration, knowledge exchange, strategic partnerships and business networking.
Following his speech, his Excellency Albertus Aotimab, his Ambassador to Namibia to France, strengthened the global impact of Africa's success:
“Prosperous Africa strengthens the world economy. From maritime development to renewable energy and digital marketing, our continent offers enormous investment opportunities. We look for trade rather than aid. It's a young, skilled population.”
The morning plenary session focusing on the upcoming G20 summit, which will be held in Africa for the first time, featured dynamic discussions with key partners, including:
Gauteng Tourism Authority Authoris Mpumi Mabuza CEO, Sthembiso Dlamini, Stakeholder Relations General Manager of Sa Glenton De Kock, CEO of South Africa Conference Industry Association, CEO of SA Tourism (SA Tourism), CEO of Nombulelo Guliwe,
“Meeting Africa is deeply rooted in promoting connections and promoting business events across the continent. Our commitment is to create a comprehensive industry that benefits all players, from small and medium-sized businesses to large companies. It goes beyond securing it,” Nombulelo Guliwe said.
The panelists reflected this sentiment that the conference not only highlights quality-assured business events and facilities in South Africa, but also increases the global profile of the continent by increasing the media presence. They emphasized that the thriving mouse industry promotes the economic benefits of the local community and creates opportunities throughout the value chain.
Going forward, Guliwe has expressed optimism that the host of the South African G20 Summit in November will further raise the country's global awareness.
“I believe the G20 Summit will reconstruct the story about Africa and encourage more people to visit, invest and do business here,” she concluded.
Building the excitement of the G20 and its lead-up events set Meetings Africa 2025 in place to play a pivotal role in shaping Africa's global economic footprint.
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