South Africa Strengthens Africa’s Business Events Leadership Ahead of IMEX Frankfurt 2026

SSouth Africa arrives at IMEX Frankfurt 2026, taking place from 19–21 May, with continued momentum as the continent’s leading business events destination following its number one ranking in Africa in the 2025 ICCA Country Rankings.

According to the latest International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Globewatch Business Analytics 2025 Report, South Africa secured the top position on the continent with 115 international association meetings, reaffirming the country’s competitiveness in the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Cape Town also retained its position as Africa’s leading city for international association meetings.

South Africa’s participation at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the world’s premier trade shows for the global business events industry, provides a strategic platform to strengthen partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and showcase the country’s world-class capability to host business events of every scale. Chief Convention Bureau Officer at of the South African National Convention Bureau, Corne Koch, said South Africa’s ICCA ranking is a powerful endorsement of the country’s long-term investment in business events infrastructure, destination competitiveness and partnership-led growth.

“South Africa’s continued leadership in the ICCA rankings is a strong reflection of our country’s ability to compete globally while leading continentally. It demonstrates the confidence international associations place in our infrastructure, our people, our professional excellence and our ability to deliver meaningful, world-class events,” said Koch.

“As we start our participation  at this year’s IMEX Frankfurt, we do so proudly as Africa’s top-ranked business events destination, ready to strengthen global partnerships, showcase our diverse national offering, and position South Africa as a connected, innovative and future-focused destination where business events drive tourism growth, knowledge exchange and long term economic impact.”

International association meetings leave tangible legacies that go beyond tourism revenues. Conferences on climate and health are shaping national policies, such as renewable energy adoption, and public health strategies. 

Some of the strongest destination impact for South Africa includes knowledge economy growth through scientific and sector collaboration and meetings where skills transfer takes place.

South Africa’s performance in the ICCA rankings underscores the strategic value of business events not only as tourism drivers, but as catalysts for trade, investment, innovation and sector development. South Africa continues to demonstrate a broad national capability anchored by world-class venues, accessibility, sector expertise and authentic destination experiences across the country Whilst leading cities, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Stellenbosch, Tshwane and Durban each hosted between 8 and 55 international meetings, regional growth in Sun City, Paarl and Pilanesberg have also been included in the report.

At IMEX Frankfurt 2026, South Africa will engage global industry leaders, buyers and partners to further position the country as a destination where business, culture, innovation and unforgettable experiences meet. South Africa’s presence at IMEX Frankfurt aligns with broader national efforts to drive tourism growth, expand global market access and reinforce the country’s position as a trusted and competitive host for international business events.

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Issued by South African Tourism

For further information, contact:

Thandiwe Mathibela  

Tel: +2711 895 3177   

Email: mediaq@southafrica.net   

Email: thandiwe@southafrica.net

Website: www.southafrica.net

Note to editors

South African Tourism is the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination.