By Francis Doku, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
As Africa’s Travel Indaba opens in Durban with Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay), South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to reassure African travellers, investors and global event organisers that the country remains stable, welcoming and fully capable of hosting major international business and MICE events.
The reassurance follows recent isolated violent incidents targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa, which raised concerns among regional stakeholders ahead of the continent’s largest tourism trade and business events marketplace.
In his From the Desk of the President address issued on Monday, Ramaphosa was unequivocal in condemning xenophobia and lawlessness, stressing that such acts do not reflect South Africa’s values nor government policy.
“These are the acts of opportunists who are exploiting the legitimate grievances, particularly those of the poor, under the false guise of ‘community activism’,” the President said. “Such lawlessness will not be tolerated, regardless of who the perpetrators or victims are.”
Business events under continental spotlight
The President’s comments come as thousands of tourism buyers, exhibitors, airlines, destinations and media converge at the Africa’s Travel Indaba, hosted at the Durban International Convention Centre.
BONDay sets the stage for three days of structured business engagements focused on trade, partnerships and deal-making — reinforcing Indaba’s positioning not just as a leisure tourism marketplace, but as a key African MICE and business travel platform.
Ramaphosa highlighted the strategic importance of intra-African travel, noting that more than 8 million of South Africa’s 10.5 million tourist arrivals last year came from elsewhere on the continent — a critical foundation for business travel, conferences and trade-led tourism growth.
De Lille: Business events pumping millions into the economy
At the official launch of Indaba last week, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille placed business events and MICE firmly at the centre of South Africa’s tourism and investment strategy.
She said the hosting of major conferences, summits and global sporting events continues to inject millions of rand directly into the economy, while strengthening investor confidence and destination credibility.
“The hosting of these business events pumps millions into our economy,” De Lille said. “But most importantly, it shows the world that we are capable — that South Africa can host any event.”
She pointed to South Africa’s successful hosting of over 135 G20-related meetings, which she said has significantly elevated the country’s global reputation as a reliable and sophisticated meetings destination.
Looking ahead: World Economic Forum, Cricket World Cup and global visibility
De Lille confirmed that South Africa’s MICE calendar will accelerate further over the next two years, with several globally significant events already confirmed.
In April 2027, South Africa will host a World Economic Forum “mini-Davos”, while later in 2027 the country will co-host the ICC Cricket World Cup, with matches spread across multiple cities.
A Local Organising Committee is already in place, and tourism authorities are working with the private sector to develop pre- and post-event travel packages aimed at extending visitor stays and increasing spend. “These events are not just about the event itself,” De Lille said. “They are about travel before, during and after — and ensuring the benefits flow across the country.”
MICE as a gateway to investment
Beyond delegate spend, De Lille emphasised that business events play a critical role in unlocking long-term investment. She revealed that government has called on provinces and cities to submit new tourism product proposals, aimed at diversifying South Africa’s offering beyond traditional icons such as safaris and Table Mountain.
In 2024 alone, eight new tourism infrastructure projects valued at over R1 billion were approved, with a second call for proposals now underway, she noted.
Recent investments cited include R2.5 billion in hospitality developments in KwaZulu-Natal and a R24 billion investment at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, signalling strong private sector confidence.
Jobs, GDP and Indaba’s measurable impact
Tourism’s contribution to South Africa’s economy continues to grow, with De Lille confirming that in 2024 the sector supported just under 540,000 direct jobs, accounting for 4.9% of national GDP.
She said the President has set a target of 1.5 million tourism jobs by 2029, noting that the sector already employs one in every 18 workers in the country. Africa’s Travel Indaba itself delivers significant economic impact. The 2025 edition generated R246.8 million in direct spend, with broader economic activity contributing R610.6 million to GDP, alongside R45.5 million in tax revenue and over 1,100 jobs created.
For 2026, organisers have confirmed 1,100 exhibitors, 927 buyers, airlines, media and tourism authorities from across Africa, underlining Indaba’s scale as a continental business events platform.
A clear message to Africa’s business travel market
Against the backdrop of heightened global scrutiny, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s commitment to African solidarity, mobility and openness.
“There is no place in South Africa for xenophobia, ethnic mobilisation, intolerance or violence,” he said.
As Africa’s Travel Indaba unfolds this week, the message to Africa’s MICE planners, corporate buyers and investors is clear: South Africa remains open, stable and firmly positioned as one of the continent’s most capable business events and meetings destinations.
