THEME:
Redefining the growth trajectory of intra-Africa travel and tourism through thought leadership.
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DAY 1 — TRAINING & TRADING DAY WEDNESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2026 PROGRAMME DIRECTOR: NALEDI MOLEO – News Anchor, ENCA & International Media Personality |
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| OPEN TRACK — VENUE: MEROPA CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT WORLD | ||
| TIME | TOPICS | FACULTY |
| 08h00 – 09h00 | Registration and Accreditation of Delegates | Welcome Refreshment | |
| 09h00 – 09h30 |
OPENING SESSION Introduction and Welcome Message | Keynote Address |
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| SESSION 1 — OPEN MASTERCLASS | ||
| 09h30 – 11h30 |
MICE Masterclass — The Experts’ Insights Topic: Demonstrating the economic significance and value of the global MICE industry for scalable tourism and hospitality enterprises — Africa and Non-African perspectives. |
Moderator: Gerrit Davids – Lead Advisor, TaranisCo Advisor, South Africa Scene Setting: Adele Hartdegen – CEO, Johannesburg Expo Centre & GL Events; Dr. Dušan Borovčanin – Former CEO, EXPO 2027 Belgrade & Serbia Convention Bureau Panellists: Adele Hartdegen; Dr. Dušan Borovčanin; Corne Koch – Chief Convention Bureau Officer, South Africa Tourism; Inga Mtolo – Senior Consultant, BDO South Africa |
| REFRESHMENT AND NETWORKING BREAK — 11h30 – 11h45 | ||
| SESSION 2 — OPEN MASTERCLASS | ||
| 11h45 – 13h00 |
Masterclass by Tourism Grading Council of South Africa Why Get Graded: The significance of star grading, basic quality verification, and quality assurance in African tourism accommodation and facilities. |
Bronwen Auret – Chief Quality Assurance Officer (CQAO), South African Tourism |
| 13h00 – 14h00 | NETWORKING LUNCH & VISUAL INSERTS — Limpopo Tourism Agency and Africa Tourism Partners | |
| 14h00 – 16h00 |
AFRICA CONNECTS™ B2B Open Session LTA and ATPSA/AfCFTA Destination B2B Session — showcasing African destinations while facilitating direct business engagements. Includes B2B Speed Marketing Sessions. |
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| 19h00 – 21h00 | B2B NETWORKING COCKTAIL SESSION — Meropa Casino & Entertainment World Speakers, investors, hosted buyers, exhibitors, partners & media only |
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| CLOSED TRACK — BY INVITATION ONLY — VENUE: PARK INN BY RADISSON, POLOKWANE CITY | ||
| TIME | TOPICS | FACULTY |
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PAN-AFRICAN HOSPITALITY & TOURISM INVESTMENT CEOS & EXECUTIVES’ INVESTMENT ROUNDTABLE Presented by: Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Africa Tourism Partners, BDO South Africa |
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| 09h00 – 11h30 |
Investing in Africa’s Tourism and Hospitality: Redefining Africa’s Investment Trajectory Includes Market Intelligence Talk: Global Travel Data Trends and Insights; Understanding IDC’s Hospitality and Tourism Investment and Funding Opportunities in Africa; and “Investable” Limpopo – Key Hospitality and Tourism Investment Opportunities in Limpopo Province. This closed session brings together key project promoters, tourism investment advisory firms, funders, and investors to explore capital raising, financing mechanisms, and investment readiness in Africa’s tourism sector. |
Moderators: Lee-Anne Bac – Partner & Director, BDO South Africa; Kwakye Donkor – CEO, Africa Tourism Partners Scene Setting: Olivier Ponti – Director of Market Intelligence & Insights, Amadeus, Spain; Katlego Mphahlele – Senior Deal Maker, IDC, South Africa; Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism representative Lead Discussions & Experts: Hon Dr. Zamani Saul – Premier, Northern Cape; Mokwena Morulane – MD, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, Botswana; Alex Ntiyiso Mabunda – Group CEO, Ntiyiso, South Africa; Hamza Farooqui – CEO, Millat Investments; JS Anand – Founder & CEO, Leva Hotels and Resorts, Dubai; Mark Jakins – Managing Partner, Innsight Advisory; Nils Heckscher – MD, PKF Hospitality, Head of Africa & Middle East; Fadhil Waziri Kindamba – Manager, Finance and Resource Mobilization, PDB, Zanzibar; Monnie Mongwe – Absa Regional Head: SME GP & Limpopo; Akwasi Obeng-Adjei – Risk Executive, Absa Business Bank; Siyabonga Mkhwanazi – Tourism Fund Manager, SEDFA; Nkosinatho Dlamini – Acting Regional Manager, Gauteng, SEDFA; Lovemore Chibaya – Executive, National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment, Mozambique; Caiphus Shilenge – Executive: Banking Solutions, Absa Group |
| COFFEE BREAK — 11h30 – 11h45 | ||
| 11h45 – 13h00 |
Unlocking Tourism & Hospitality-Led Investment Opportunities in Africa through SEZs Includes Global and African Best Practice in SEZ Investment; and Unpacking Tourism Investment Opportunities: The case of Limpopo Province’s Special Economic Zones. Explores successful SEZ models from across Africa and lessons for strengthening tourism-led investment, infrastructure development and regional competitiveness in Limpopo. |
Moderators: Kwakye Donkor – CEO, Africa Tourism Partners; Lee-Ann Bac – Partner & Director, BDO South Africa Scene Setting: Dr. Richmond Kwame Frimpong – Co-Chair, African Economic Zones Chamber, Ghana; Jason Ngobeni – GCEO, Limpopo Economic Development Agency (LEDA) Lead Discussions & Experts: Hon. Ms. Venus Blennies-Magage – MEC Finance, Northern Cape; Hon. Dr. Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe – MEC, LEDET; Katlego Mphahlele – IDC; Ambassador Albertus Aochamub – Interim CEO, Meat Corporation of Namibia; Lovemore Chibaya; Kossi Toulassi – Head of Industrialisation, AUDA-NEPAD; Gillian Saunders – Tourism & Hospitality Consultant; Kenny Hlela – Independent Destination & Investment Consultant |
| 13h00 – 14h00 | NETWORKING LUNCH | |
| SESSION 3 — SUSTAINABILITY & CONSERVATION | ||
| 14h00 – 15h30 |
The Business of Tourism and Conservation — Leveraging Biodiversity and Conservation for Sustainable Tourism Investment Growth Examines how biodiversity, wildlife conservation and transfrontier conservation areas can drive sustainable tourism development, community impact and destination competitiveness, using Limpopo as a case study. |
Moderators: Kwakye Donkor – CEO, Africa Tourism Partners; Lee-Ann Bac – Partner & Director, BDO South Africa Scene Setting: Justice Ofentse – Acting CEO, Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO); Christelle Grohmann – Partner and Director, BDO South Africa Lead Discussion: June Chepkemei – CEO, Kenya Tourism Board; Ben Anane Nsiah – Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority; Tinyiko Malungani – Chief Director Biodiversity and Conservation, LEDET; Dr George Wambura – Lead Wildlife Economy, SADC Secretariat; Richard Vigne – Executive Director, School of Wildlife Conservation at ALU, CEO & Founder Ol Peteja Conservancy, Kenya; Moss Mosepi – Director, National Office of Tourism, DRC; Chimbidzikai Mapfumo – Programs Officer, UNESCO, Zimbabwe |
| 19h00 – 21h00 | B2B NETWORKING COCKTAIL SESSION — Meropa Casino & Entertainment World, Polokwane City | |
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OPENING CEREMONY & PLENARY SESSIONS — FOR ALL REGISTERED DELEGATES THURSDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2026 VENUE: MEROPA CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT WORLD, POLOKWANE CITY PROGRAMME DIRECTOR: NALEDI MOLEO – News Anchor, ENCA & International Media Personality |
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| TIME | TOPICS | FACULTY |
| 08h00 – 09h00 | Registration and Accreditation of Participants | |
| 09h00 – 09h05 | Introductions and Visual Inserts | |
| 09h05 – 09h10 | National Anthem | Africa Anthem | AV & Technical Team |
| 09h10 – 09h55 |
Welcome Messages Message from the City of Polokwane | Message by Limpopo Tourism Agency | Message by Africa Tourism Partners Solidarity Messages: Tourism Business Council of South Africa; International Congress and Convention Association, Netherlands; Southern Africa Association of Conference Industries Keynote Messages by: Minister of Tourism, South Africa; Secretary-General, AfCFTA Secretariat |
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| 09h55 – 10h10 | Cultural Performance | TBC |
| 10h10 – 10h15 | Remarks by MEC and Introduction of the Premier of Limpopo | Hon. Dr Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe – MEC, LEDET, South Africa |
| 10h15 – 10h20 | Keynote by UN Tourism — The Power Talk | H.E. Shaikha Al Nowais – Secretary-General, UN Tourism, Spain |
| 10h20 – 10h30 | Message by Guest of Honour and Official Opening | Hon. Dr. Phophi Ramathuba – Premier, Limpopo Province |
| 10h30 – 11h00 |
Scene Setting Utilizing Big Data as a Strategic Asset to Enhance Tourism Demand. |
Olivier Ponti – Director of Market Intelligence & Insights, Amadeus, Spain |
| 10h45 – 11h00: PHOTO SESSION & TOUR OF SUSTAINABILITY & EXHIBITION VILLAGE BY GUEST OF HONOUR | ||
| COFFEE BREAK AND VISUAL INSERTS — 11h00 – 11h15 | ||
| SESSION 1 — MINISTERIAL & EXECUTIVES INSIGHTS INTO REGIONAL OUTLOOK AND GLOBAL DYNAMICS | ||
| 11h15 – 13h00 |
AfCFTA Forum on Tourism, Creatives and Cultural Industries: Regional Outlook and Global Dynamics Key trends influencing Africa’s tourism and creative sectors within the AfCFTA framework; how entrepreneurs and industry leaders can generate commercial value from expanding intra-African travel, trade and markets. |
Moderator: Kagiso Bapela – Head: Services Strategic Business Unit, IDC, South Africa Panellists: Emily Mburu-Ndoria – Director, Trade in Services, Investment, IP Rights & Digital Trade (DTIID), AfCFTA Secretariat; Hon. Barbara Rwodzi – Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe; Hon. Indileni Daniel – Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia; Joel ‘Kachi Benson – Emmy Award, Outstanding Arts & Culture Documentary, Nigeria; Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsaambu – Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Uganda |
| 13h00 – 14h00 | NETWORK LUNCH — VISUAL INSERTS | |
| SESSION 2 — REINVENTING THOUGHT-LEADERSHIP | ||
| 14h00 – 15h00 |
Rooted in Heritage, Culture and Creative Industries — AfCFTA Perspective How tourism businesses and brands can leverage Africa’s soft power — heritage, culture, festivals, music, fashion and creative industries — to shape strategy, destination brand identity and market influence. |
Moderator: Dr. Dušan Borovčanin – Former CEO, EXPO 2027 Belgrade and Serbia Convention Bureau Panellists: Hon. Funani Jerry Maseko – MEC, Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Hon. Didier Mazenga Mukanzu – Minister of Tourism, DR Congo; Daro Umaigba – award-winning filmmaker, photographer & storyteller, Nigeria; JudySheila N. Mugo – Director of Content, Pulse East Africa; Obinna Emelike – Assistant Editor, Business Day CNN Multi Choice, Nigeria; Naomie Boketa – Project Manager, Expertise France, Ghana |
| SESSION 3 — BUSINESS LEADERS’ DIALOGUE | ||
| 15h00 – 16h00 |
Rethinking Policy for Air Access Growth & Aviation Protectionism Reforms to improve air access, travel facilitation and unlock MICE opportunities; the impact of aviation protectionism on connectivity and tourism growth. Status on Aviation in African-Indian Ocean (AFI) Region: opportunities and potential traffic/tourism stimuli. |
Scene Setting: Elcia Grandcourt – Director, Africa Department, UN Tourism Moderator: Somas Appavou – Regional Director External Affairs Africa, DDG AME Regional External Affairs Panellists: Tebogo Tsimane – Chief Commercial Officer, South African Airways (SAA); Abigail Shansonga – Acting CEO, Zambia Tourism; Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa – CEO, TBCSA; Bronwen Auret – CQAO, South African Tourism; Aaron Munetsi – CEO, Airlines Association of Southern Africa |
| SESSION 4 — AI & TECHNOLOGY | ||
| 16h00 – 16h45 |
Fire Chat: Real-Time Datasets & AI – The Exponential Shift Real-time datasets as an opportunity for actionable pricing, targeting and operational strategies for DMOs, investors and tourism accommodation owners; the strategic imperatives of technological acceleration in shaping tourism growth. |
Scene-Setter: Diego Rodriguez Royo – Co-Founder and CEO, Passporter, Spain Interviewer: Nils Heckscher – MD, PKF Hospitality, Head of Africa & Middle East Interviewees: Diego Rodriguez Royo; Prof. Kobby Mensah – CEO, Ghana Tourism Development Company |
| SESSION 5 — SYNTHESIS & CLOSE | ||
| 16h45 – 17h00 | Synthesis of the Day and End of Day | Keleabetswe (Kele) Tlouane – DDG, LEDET; Nomasonto Ndlovu – Founder & CEO, Beacon Africa Tourism Consultancy |
| 19h00 – 22h00 | OFFICIAL WELCOME COCKTAIL — THE LIMPOPO EXPERIENCE & AFRICAN CULTURAL NIGHT Presented by Polokwane City, Limpopo — Venue: Polokwane Stadium |
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INDUSTRY DEEP DIVES & CLOSING FRIDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2026 VENUE: MEROPA CASINO & ENTERTAINMENT WORLD PROGRAMME DIRECTOR: NALEDI MOLEO – News Anchor, ENCA & International Media Personality |
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| TIME | TOPICS | FACULTY |
| 08h00 – 09h00 | Registration and Accreditation of Participants | |
| SESSION 1 — PUBLIC-PRIVATE COLLABORATION | ||
| 09h00 – 09h45 |
Collaborative Leadership Insights: Public-Private-Community (PPCPs) Collaboration and Emerging Tourism Markets How strengthened public-private-community partnerships can address industry challenges while unlocking growth opportunities; the rise of emerging tourism markets and reducing reliance on traditional source markets. |
Moderator: Safiyya Akoojee – Director, Fortunatus, Dubai Panellists: Hon. Ms. Venus Blennies-Magage – MEC Finance, Northern Cape; Scott Lovett – Partner, Advisory Project & Infrastructure Advisory, BDO Australia; Sebulon Chicalu – CEO, Namibia Tourism Board; Nicanor Sabula – CEO, AESATA, Kenya; Nils Heckscher – MD, PKF Hospitality |
| SESSION 2 — SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION | ||
| 09h45 – 10h30 |
Thought-Leadership Conversation: Sustainable Conservation and Wildlife Management Sustainable conservation and wildlife management as key drivers of Africa’s tourism value, with Limpopo and SANParks as case studies. |
Scene Setting / Moderator: Dr. Shatha Al Kaud – Founder & CEO, Emportality Consultancy, Saudi Arabia & UAE Panellists: Ben-Anane Nsiah – Deputy CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority; Margaret Gustavo – CEO, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR); Justice Ofentse – Acting CEO, Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO); Dr George Wambura – Lead Wildlife Economy, SADC Secretariat |
| COFFEE BREAK AND VISUAL INSERTS — 10h30 – 10h45 | ||
| SESSION 3 — INCLUSIVITY, DIVERSITY & ACCOMMODATION | ||
| 10h45 – 11h30 |
Mainstreaming Inclusivity and Diversity A purpose-driven approach to enhancing the profitability of African tourism and hospitality businesses in local municipalities — strengthening participation of youth, women, local enterprises and municipalities. |
Moderator: Hafsa H. Mbamba – Tourism Delivery Manager, Zanzibar Panellists: Mokwena Morulane – MD, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, Botswana; Christelle Grohmann – Partner and Director, BDO South Africa; Akwasi Obeng-Adjei – Executive, Business Bank, Absa Group Ltd; Oupa Pilane – Co-Founder and Director, Graskop Gorge Lift Company |
| 11h30 – 12h15 |
Traditional Tourism Accommodation and Short-Term Rentals Tourism business opportunity for local hospitality and local community tourism investors. |
Moderator: Lee-Ann Bac – Partner & Director, BDO South Africa Panellists: Charles Kachelenga – Chief Tourism Officer, Malawi; Austin Hickey – Tourism Lead, BDO Ireland; Zaim Muhammad – MD, Redberry Travel & Tourism Consultant, Dubai, UAE; Gillian Saunders – Tourism and Hospitality Consultant, South Africa |
| 12h15 – 13h15 | NETWORKING LUNCH AND VISUAL INSERTS | |
| SESSION 4 — YOUTH & WOMEN EMPOWERMENT | ||
| 13h15 – 14h00 |
Accelerating Youth and Women Empowerment Best practices for advancing financial inclusion of youth and women in travel, tourism and hospitality through targeted enterprise development support. |
Moderator: Keleabetswe Tlouane – DDG, Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment Panellists: Nyiko Maluleke – Secretary, Limpopo Youth in Tourism (LimYiT); Octavius Maketo – Ubuntu Aquatics CC, Namibia; Devota Mdachi – Director, Africa Tourism Partners, Tanzania; Allícia Santos – Director-General, Angolan Tourism Promotion Institute; Winnet Muchanyuka – Former CEO, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Aviation Professional |
| SESSION 5 — CRISIS, RESILIENCE & ROUTE DEVELOPMENT | ||
| 14h00 – 14h45 |
Crisis and Resilience Preparedness Developing a crisis-ready tourism sector in Africa — covering climate change, geo-political tensions, wars and health pandemics — to improve responsiveness and facilitate rapid recovery. |
Moderator & Scene Setting: Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa – CEO, Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) Panellists: JS Anand – Founder & CEO, Leva Hotels and Resorts, Dubai; Deborah Claire O’Connor – Associate Director Sustainability, BDO South Africa; June Chepkemei – CEO, Kenya Tourism Board; Katlego Mphahlele – Senior Deal Maker, IDC; Monnie Mongwe – Absa Regional Head: SME GP & Limpopo |
| 14h45 – 15h30 |
Optimising Tourism Route Development A structured approach to addressing the effects of changing global tourism demand in Africa, diversifying tourism offerings and supporting destination branding. |
Moderator: Martha Sidebi – General Manager, Khoroni Casino Convention Resort Panellists: Lovemore Chibaya – Executive Investment and Financial Structuring, National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment, Mozambique; Moses Ngobeni – CEO, Limpopo Tourism Agency; Givemore Chidzidzi – Former COO, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority; Jonathan Denga – Acting CEO, Northwest Parks & Tourism Board (NWPTB); Lemmy Mdluli – Acting CEO, Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Board |
| SESSION 6 — SYNTHESIS & ROADMAP | ||
| 15h30 – 15h45 | Synthesis of the Day & Roadmap for 2027 | Lee-Anne Bac & Christelle Grohmann – Directors and Partners, BDO South Africa |
| 19h00 – 22h00 | OFFICIAL AWARDS & CLOSING GALA DINNER ‘Recognising Leadership, Excellence and Inspiration in Africa’s Travel & Tourism’ Venue: Meropa Casino and Entertainment World |
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