By OBAKENG MAJE
28January 2025- The Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille said she is thrilled that the Meetings Africa has reached its 19th edition. De Lille said over the past 19 years, this platform has played a pivotal role in transforming and advancing the African business events industry.
She further said the G20 Summit is an important business event to be hosted in South Africa. De Lille added that this year is truly a special one for not only the South African business events sector but the rest of the African continent too.
“South Africa has assumed the Presidency of the 2025 G20 Summit, following Brazil in 2024 and preceding the United States in 2026. This landmark event being hosted on the African continent for the first time will bring over 40 global heads of state to our shores with over 130 meetings hosted in South Africa during 2025.
“This will solidify South Africa’s standing as a premier tourism and business events destination. With G20 nations representing 85% of the global economy, 75% of international trade, and 67% of the world’s population, the summit promises significant benefits for our business events and broader tourism sectors,” she said.
De Lille said as the only African member country of the G20, South Africa offers a vital voice on global discussions, particularly on issues affecting developing nations and the African continent. She said the G20 Summit and Ministerial Meetings will be held under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
“It also allows South Africa to showcase its capacity to host safe and successful global events, further boosting our country’s international reputation – an opportunity we openly welcome.
“We are excited to host the Tourism Minister’s G20 meeting in Mpumalanga in September this year which will include a Tourism Investment Conference to showcase tourism investment opportunities to a global audience,” said De Lille.
She said Meetings Africa value and benefit Meetings Africa 2025 aims to continue to spotlight Africa’s diverse destinations and unique offerings for business events by unlocking Africa’s Opportunities Through Quality Connections. De Lille said key features at this year’s Meetings Africa, will include promoting the continent’s diversity through the new entrants of exhibitors, which make it an attractive choice for business events buyers looking for a diversity of products from our African continent.
“Equally, Meetings Africa 2025 will bring together industry leaders, local stakeholders, international buyers, event planners, suppliers, and policymakers, facilitating collaboration within the MICE sector.
“The event serves as a platform for business deals, knowledge sharing, and cross-sector partnerships, with a strong emphasis on enabling meaningful networking opportunities to support industry growth,” she said.
The Guardian 