Registrations for the 8th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Africa Connects™ are gathering pace as tourism leaders, policymakers and private sector executives across the continent confirm participation ahead of the September 2026 event.
Scheduled for 2–4 September 2026, the forum will take place at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in Polokwane City, Limpopo Province, South Africa, positioning the city as a focal point for continental tourism dialogue and deal-making.
The 2026 edition of ATLF will convene ministers, senior government officials, global thought leaders and C-suite executives from across Africa and beyond. The gathering will focus on advancing intra-Africa travel, strengthening regional cooperation and unlocking sustainable tourism growth across the continent.
The event is hosted by the Limpopo Provincial Government through the Limpopo Tourism Agency, in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners, the AfCFTA Secretariat and UN Tourism.
Strategic Timing For Africa’s Tourism Economy
The forum comes at a time when African tourism destinations are repositioning to capture increased intra-continental travel and investment flows under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Organisers say ATLF 2026 will provide a timely platform to align policy, investment and private sector strategies with emerging market realities.
Attendance at the forum is complimentary, although space is limited, prompting organisers to urge early registration by stakeholders across the tourism value chain.
ATLF continues to be underpinned by a strong public–private partnership model, bringing together governments, development agencies, financiers and private sector operators. This approach has positioned the forum as one of Africa’s most credible tourism leadership and policy platforms.
The collaboration between host institutions and continental partners is expected to strengthen regional alignment on tourism development priorities.
ATLF Positioned As Pan-African Business Marketplace
Beyond policy dialogue, ATLF is positioned as a practical marketplace tailored to Africa’s regional dynamics. Delegates will have access to structured B2B engagements, exhibitions, speed-marketing sessions and curated networking platforms designed to facilitate real business outcomes.
Tourism boards, destination management companies, tour operators and online travel agencies are expected to leverage the forum to secure partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
Investment, Trade And AfCFTA Opportunities In Focus
A key pillar of the 2026 programme is tourism investment. Project developers will engage directly with development finance institutions, private banks and international investors seeking viable tourism and hospitality assets across Africa.
The forum will also spotlight AfCFTA-enabled market access, offering businesses insights into scaling operations across unified regional markets.
ATLF 2026 will place strong emphasis on stimulating intra-Africa travel demand. Sessions will explore policy harmonisation, air access, visa facilitation and destination competitiveness, while giving industry players an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers shaping the continent’s travel landscape.
This advocacy component has become a defining feature of the forum.
Capacity development remains central to ATLF’s value proposition. Delegates will participate in masterclasses focused on digital transformation, innovation and sustainable hospitality practices, equipping businesses with tools required to improve competitiveness and guest retention.
The programme is designed to support both established operators and emerging entrepreneurs.
Awards Platform To Recognise Tourism Excellence
The Africa Tourism Leadership Awards will once again recognise outstanding destinations, organisations and individuals contributing to tourism growth and innovation across the continent. The awards have become a benchmark for excellence within Africa’s tourism ecosystem.
