South Africa: Africa's MICE Powerhouse Enters a New Era || South Africa is the fastest-growing MICE market in the MEA re
Global South EXPOHUB AI Analytics · 2026-05-08
South Africa is the fastest-growing MICE market in the MEA region. Revenue reached USD 17.05 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit USD 26.96 billion by 2030 at 8% CAGR. The November 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg — the first ever held on African soil — proved the country's capacity to host top-tier international events. Meetings Africa 2026 drew buyers from 53 countries and confirmed over 6,400 B2B meetings, with GDP contribution nearly doubling to ZAR 690 million. A major breakthrough: the new ETA system launched for Chinese, Indian, Indonesian and Mexican travellers in February 2026, with expansion to all international airports planned this year. Anchored by world-class venues — CTICC, Sandton and Durban ICC — South Africa now offers a digital, BRICS-aligned gateway to the Global South business-events economy.