Venue: Meropa Casino & Entertainment World Date: 2nd – 4th September 2026
Our Theme
Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) is a Pan-African dialogue platform. It brings together key stakeholders of Africa’s travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation sectors to network, share insights, and devise strategies for intra-Africa travel and tourism growth across the continent, whilst enhancing the brand equity of “Destination Africa’’.
It is also the only Forum of its kind in Africa that highlights tourism as a major economic pillar to diversify African economies. The Forum in convened by Africa Tourism Partners and BDO South Africa.
These awards recognize innovation pioneered by Africans, in Africa, for Africa. It is the first ever Pan-African travel and tourism awards that seek to recognize innovation, excellence and change-making, pioneered by Africans, for Africans, in Africa.
Please note: While registration is complimentary, delegates are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
Engage with an elite lineup of global ministers, industry titans, and policy-makers.
The foundational framework driving Africa’s tourism transformation.
We bridge the gap between the private sector and government, advocating for policies that simplify travel, improve connectivity, and foster a business-friendly environment across the continent.
We empower the next generation of African tourism leaders through specialized training, mentorship programs, and knowledge-sharing sessions led by global industry experts aligning our efforts with the (AfCFTA) goals.
We create a marketplace for growth. By connecting startups, SMEs, and established hospitality brands with global investors, we drive the infrastructure and technology needed for a modern tourism economy.
2 - 4 September 2026 | Limpopo, Polokwane
The AfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creatives, and Cultural Industries in collaboration with Africa Tourism Partners, is a pivotal event aligning with the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services. This platform celebrates dynamic sectors, addresses challenges, and advances Africa’s economic competitiveness through sustainable tourism and cultural development. Simultaneously hosted with the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards 2023, this forum ignites intra-African trade and empowerment, reinforcing a unified vision for a culturally enriched Africa.
A Catalyst for Continental Transformation
We provide a curated environment for high-level "Business-to-Business" and "Business-to-Government" engagement. Through bespoke matchmaking, we connect tourism SMEs, global investors, and policymakers to unlock new trade routes and partnership opportunities across the continent.
We identify and showcase bankable tourism projects to a global network of investors and financial institutions. Our goal is to stimulate capital flow into African infrastructure, hospitality tech, and sustainable community-led ventures.
As a permanent platform, we facilitate the "Executive Dialogue" between Ministers, Heads of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), and CEOs. We advocate for the removal of travel barriers, the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol, and the improvement of intra-Africa air connectivity.
Through the Africa Tourism Leadership Awards, we provide the only Pan-African platform that recognizes and honors the change-makers, innovators, and progressive policymakers who are redefining the "Destination Africa" brand.
We host specialized masterclasses led by global industry experts. These sessions focus on cutting-edge trends—from digital transformation and AI in tourism to sports and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) strategies—ensuring leaders stay ahead of the global curve.
We are committed to inclusivity. Our dedicated programs focus on capacity building and mentorship for women and young entrepreneurs, ensuring they have a seat at the table in the evolving tourism economy. We bridge the gap through implementation.
A Decade of Decisive Impact
In 2026, the Forum finds its home in Polokwane, the heart of the Limpopo province. Known as the “Eden of Africa,” Limpopo provides the perfect backdrop for our discussions on sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation, and community-led economic development.
For its 8th annual edition, the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum moves to Polokwane, the vibrant capital of South Africa’s northernmost province. Limpopo is strategically positioned as the gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), bordering Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This makes it the ultimate case study for our discussions on intra-Africa connectivity, cross-border trade, and the seamless movement of people under the AfCFTA framework.
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| Days | Programme |
|---|---|
| Tuesday: Trading & Training Day | Business-to-Business & Business Exchange Session Masterclasses - Capacity Building and Training (Entrepreneurs, Start-ups, Women and Youth in Tourism Networking cocktail hosted by industry partners and stakeholders Welcome cocktail sponsored by Hotel Partners |
| Day 1: Wednesday - Opening Ceremony | Africa CEOs/Executive and Africa Tourism Private Sector Alliance ForumAfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creative and Cultural Industries Destination Cultural Night |
| Day 2: Thursday | Africa Tourism Leadership Forum |
| Day 3: Friday | Africa Tourism Leadership Forum, and Africa Tourism Leadership Awards and Gala Dinner |
| Day 4: Saturday | Hosted Buyers & Media Fam Trip |
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