The inaugural Africa Exhibition Forum (AEF) 2026 is set to take place on 4 and 5 December 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The two-day industry forum will bring together exhibition organizers, venue operators, service providers, government representatives, investors and other business events professionals to discuss the future development of Africa’s exhibition industry.
The first edition of the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 is being organized by Exhibit Africa and jwc, with the event hosted by Sarit Expo Centre. The forum is being held in partnership with UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and supported by UNIDO, the United Nations specialized agency focused on industrial development.
Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 Focuses on Exhibition Industry Growth
The Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 has been created to provide a dedicated platform for discussing the opportunities and challenges facing the exhibition and business events sector across Africa. Unlike broader business conferences, the forum will specifically examine how exhibitions can support trade, investment, industrial development and economic growth across the continent.
The event will offer an opportunity for African and international industry stakeholders to exchange knowledge, examine market data and discuss practical measures that could make African destinations more attractive to international exhibition organizers.
The forum comes at a time when Africa is increasingly being recognized as a major emerging market for international trade and investment. However, the continent continues to face challenges related to exhibition infrastructure, venue capacity, logistics, government support and market connectivity.
Africa’s Exhibition Infrastructure Presents Significant Opportunities
According to data from the latest UFI/jwc World Map of Exhibition Venues, Africa has considerable room for growth in large-scale exhibition infrastructure. Of the 81 exhibition venues worldwide with more than 100,000 square metres of exhibition space listed in the report, none are located in Africa.
Only five African markets currently exceed the report’s 50,000-square-metre reporting threshold. These include South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Senegal.
Together, these five markets account for 17 venues and approximately 370,969 square metres of exhibition space. By comparison, Messe Frankfurt alone has approximately 372,073 square metres of exhibition space, highlighting the scale of the infrastructure gap between Africa and major global exhibition destinations.
The Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 will examine this gap and explore how investment in modern venues, supporting infrastructure and professional event services can help Africa compete more effectively for international exhibitions.
African Trade Growth Creates New Opportunities for Exhibitions
The development of Africa’s exhibition industry is closely linked to the continent’s broader trade ambitions. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was signed in Kigali in March 2018 and entered into force in May 2019.
The agreement aims to create greater economic integration across African markets by reducing trade barriers and encouraging stronger intra-African commerce. The agreement covers a market of approximately 1.4 billion people, creating significant potential for businesses seeking new markets and partnerships.
The World Bank has estimated that full implementation of AfCFTA could substantially increase intra-African exports by 2035. As trade between African countries expands, exhibitions and trade fairs could play an important role in connecting buyers, sellers, manufacturers, investors and service providers.
The Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 will therefore explore how the exhibition industry can contribute to these wider economic objectives.
Jochen Witt Highlights Africa’s Diverse Exhibition Markets
Jochen Witt, Chairman of jwc, emphasized that Africa should not be viewed as one uniform exhibition market. Instead, the continent consists of numerous individual markets influenced by different economic, cultural, linguistic and trading structures.
According to Witt, understanding established trading networks and identifying where real demand exists will be essential for developing successful exhibition businesses in Africa.
Governments are also expected to play an important role. Africa’s 54 countries have different economic priorities and varying levels of support for exhibitions and business events. The Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 aims to help demonstrate how the exhibition industry can contribute to national economic development, exports, investment and industrial growth.
Three Key Themes at Africa Exhibition Forum 2026
The conference program for the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 will focus on three principal themes: market development, government engagement and infrastructure.
The first theme will examine the African exhibition market itself. Discussions will look at how goods and trade move across the continent, where demand is concentrated and how Africa compares with other global exhibition markets.
Naji El Haddad, Regional Director of UFI, is expected to present data relating to the economic impact of exhibitions. UNIDO and jwc will also share findings from a new study examining Africa’s trade show and exhibition venue landscape.
Government Support for Business Events
Government involvement will form the second major pillar of the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026. Organizers believe exhibitions and business events can deliver economic benefits extending beyond the events sector itself.
Trade shows can create opportunities for companies to find customers, enter new markets, attract investment and develop international partnerships. They can also contribute to export growth and provide platforms for domestic industries to showcase products and capabilities.
The forum will examine how governments can better understand these economic benefits and incorporate exhibitions and business events into broader economic development strategies.
Exhibition Infrastructure to Remain a Major Discussion
Infrastructure will be the third central theme at the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026. International exhibition organizers typically require venues that meet specific standards relating to exhibition space, accessibility, logistics, technical services and operational capabilities.
When destinations cannot provide the necessary infrastructure, they can lose international events before organizers even begin commercial discussions.
The forum will therefore address the infrastructure requirements needed to attract and successfully host larger international exhibitions. Discussions are expected to cover venue development, investment requirements and the services required by international organizers.
Sarit Expo Centre to Host Africa Exhibition Forum 2026
The Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi will host the inaugural Africa Exhibition Forum 2026. Located within Sarit Mall, the venue offers approximately 4,510 square metres of column-free exhibition space, along with meeting facilities.
The venue is positioned within one of Nairobi’s major business districts and provides delegates with access to restaurants, banking facilities, foreign exchange services, retail outlets and other amenities.
Its location also provides connectivity to Nairobi’s transport network, making it suitable for an international business gathering focused on exhibitions, trade and investment.
The venue is approximately 18 kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and around 9 kilometres from Wilson Airport, while several major hotels are located nearby.
International Speakers to Join Africa Exhibition Forum 2026
The speaker lineup for the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 includes senior representatives from the international exhibition, venue and development sectors.
Confirmed speakers include Wolfram Diener, President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf and UFI President for 2026/27; Stefan Kratzsch, PhD, Head of the Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit at UNIDO; Carole Kadenge, General Manager of Sarit Expo Centre; Paul Maerz, Managing Director of Fairtrade; and Jamie Hill, CEO of BtoB Events.
Additional speakers are expected to be announced as preparations for the inaugural forum continue.
Workshops and Sarit Expo Centre Tour Included
Alongside the conference sessions, the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 program will include a tour of Sarit Expo Centre.
Participants will also have access to workshops covering the fundamentals of the exhibition business and the specific requirements of African exhibition organizers and venues.
These sessions are expected to provide practical knowledge for stakeholders seeking to improve exhibition operations, venue capabilities and international event competitiveness.
Exhibit Africa Brings Local Market Expertise
Exhibit Africa, one of the organizers of the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026, operates in the African exhibition services industry and provides solutions for international organizers, governments and major brands.
Its services include exhibition stand design and construction, national pavilions, event delivery and industry development. The company’s experience across East Africa and other international projects gives it insight into both local market requirements and international exhibition standards.
The company aims to contribute to the continued professionalization and expansion of Africa’s exhibitions and business events industry.
jwc Brings Global Exhibition Industry Experience
The second organizer, jwc, is a management consultancy specializing in exhibitions, trade fairs and conferences. Founded in 2007, the company works with organizers, venue owners, service providers, investors, governments and industry associations across several international markets.
jwc also develops industry benchmarks and market research, including the Global Industry Performance Review (GIPR) and the UFI World Map of Exhibition Venues.
Its involvement in the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 is expected to bring additional international market data and strategic expertise to discussions about Africa’s exhibition sector.
Daniel Mesfin Sets Clear Goals for the Forum
Daniel Mesfin, CEO of Exhibit Africa, said the organizers want the Nairobi forum to produce practical outcomes for the continent’s exhibition industry.
The objectives include identifying quick solutions to infrastructure and operational gaps that currently prevent international events from coming to Africa. The organizers also want stakeholders to agree on the requirements needed to accelerate the development of high-quality exhibition venues.
Another key objective is to strengthen the international perception of Africa as a growing market for exhibitions, trade and investment.
Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 Could Strengthen Africa’s Global Position
The launch of the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 comes as African economies seek to strengthen intra-continental trade and attract greater international investment.
Exhibitions can provide an important bridge between these economic ambitions and commercial activity by bringing businesses, buyers, investors, policymakers and industry professionals together in one environment.
For African markets, improving exhibition infrastructure and professional event capabilities could create opportunities to attract more international trade shows while also supporting domestic industries.
Why Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 Matters to the Exhibition Industry
The significance of the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 extends beyond the two-day conference. By bringing together governments, organizers, venue operators, investors and service providers, the event aims to create a more coordinated discussion about the future of exhibitions across Africa.
The continent has a large and growing consumer market, expanding trade relationships and significant industrial development potential. However, realizing this opportunity will require investment in venues, logistics, professional services and market knowledge.
The forum could therefore become an important platform for identifying the practical steps required to develop Africa as a stronger international exhibition destination.
Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 Event Details
The Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 will take place on 4–5 December 2026 at Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya. The event is organized by Exhibit Africa and jwc, hosted by Sarit Expo Centre and held in partnership with UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, with support from UNIDO.
The two-day program will feature conference sessions, industry presentations, workshops and a venue tour. It will focus on Africa’s exhibition market, government engagement and infrastructure development.
With representatives expected from across Africa and international exhibition markets, the Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 is positioned as a significant new meeting point for stakeholders looking to shape the continent’s exhibition and business events industry.
Looking Ahead to Africa Exhibition Forum 2026
As Africa continues to develop its trade and investment ecosystem, the role of exhibitions is likely to become increasingly important. Modern exhibition venues, stronger industry networks and greater government recognition could help African destinations compete for more international events.
The inaugural Africa Exhibition Forum 2026 aims to bring these issues into sharper focus and encourage practical collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Taking place in Nairobi on 4 and 5 December 2026, the forum is expected to provide a valuable platform for discussing how Africa can build a stronger, more connected and internationally competitive exhibition industry.
