AEF 2026

Africa Exhibition Forum

Shaping the future of exhibitions in Africa

4–5 December 2026Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

Register to attend See the programme

Welcome to AEF 2026

The Africa Exhibition Forum grew out of the continent's growing momentum in the exhibition industry. Shaped the right way, this window of opportunity can speed up the development of world-class exhibitions serving African and global markets.

This curated two-day gathering brings together venue operators, exhibition organisers, service providers, government stakeholders and investors from across Africa and beyond. Together they will shape the next chapter of the continent's exhibition ecosystem.

With the support of UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, AEF 2026 aims to spark cross-border cooperation, raise professional standards and accelerate industry development.

The atmosphere is informal and collegial, so a relaxed dress code is encouraged.

What we want to achieve

  • Explore global exhibition trends and their relevance to African markets
  • Connect the key industry stakeholders
  • Identify and address the challenges facing the industry
  • Strengthen government awareness of the industry
  • Showcase the potential of Nairobi as a MICE destination

Who should attend

AEF 2026 is designed for the professionals and institutions shaping the next chapter of Africa's exhibition ecosystem.

  • Venue operators
  • Exhibition organisers
  • Government and convention bureaus
  • Industry associations
  • Service providers
  • Investors, financiers and consultants

Programme

Arrival and welcome

Nairobi

Delegates arrive in Nairobi
Welcome dinnerKalamata

Conference

Sarit Expo Centre

Opening remarksEmcee Chris Kirwa. Official welcome by the Kenya Tourism Board and Sarit Shah, CEO of Sarit Expo Centre, followed by a destination video.
Round of introductions
Welcome message from UFIWolfram Diener, incoming UFI President and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf
Keynote: A global overview of the exhibition industry and what it means for AfricaJochen Witt, President and CEO, jwc
Keynote: The economic impact of exhibitions and UFI's global trends in 2026Naji El Haddad, Regional Director, UFI
Networking break on the Terrace
Presentation: The African exhibition organiser and venue landscapeStefan Kratzsch, Head of the Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit, UNIDO, and Lorenzo Garbujo, Director, jwc
Networking lunch
Panel: Africa's exhibition industry today. Market reality, growth drivers and constraintsPaul März (Fairtrade), Jamie Hill (BtoB Events), Daniel Mesfin (Exhibit Africa), Nebeyu Lemma (Fairteam), Fadi Jarmakani (Landmark Centre, invited)
Break
Panel: How African countries respond to the expectations and requirements of international organisersMatt Denton (dmg Events, Dubai World Trade Centre, invited), Carol Kadenge (Sarit Expo Centre), Wolfram Diener (Messe Düsseldorf)
Wrap-up
Networking dinnerNairobi Street Kitchen

Nairobi experience, site visit and workshops

Sarit Expo Centre and Nairobi National Park

Optional morning walk or runKarura Forest
Tour of Sarit Expo Centre
Workshop 1: The fundamentals of the exhibition ecosystemGerd Weber, Partner and COO, jwc
LunchZing World of Flavours, Hyatt Place
Workshop 2: Opportunities and requirements for African organisers and venuesLed by UNIDO and Exhibit Africa
Wrap-up
Departure from the hotels to Nairobi National ParkDrop-off at the hotels afterwards

Programme subject to change.

Speakers

Portrait of Wolfram Diener

Wolfram Diener

Incoming UFI President; President and CEO, Messe Düsseldorf

Portrait of Jochen Witt

Jochen Witt

President and CEO, jwc

Portrait of Naji El Haddad

Naji El Haddad

Regional Director, UFI

Portrait of Stefan Kratzsch

Stefan Kratzsch

Head of the Sustainable Investments and Responsible Business Unit, UNIDO

Portrait of Lorenzo Garbujo

Lorenzo Garbujo

Director, jwc

Portrait of Gerd Weber

Gerd Weber

Partner and COO, jwc

Sarit Shah

CEO, Sarit Expo Centre

Carol Kadenge

General Manager, Sarit Expo Centre

Portrait of Paul März

Paul März

Managing Director, Fairtrade

Portrait of Jamie Hill

Jamie Hill

CEO, BtoB Events

Portrait of Daniel Mesfin

Daniel Mesfin

CEO, Exhibit Africa

Nebeyu Lemma

CEO, Fairteam

Fadi Jarmakani

Managing Partner, Landmark Centre

Invited
Portrait of Matt Denton

Matt Denton

President, dmg Events, Dubai World Trade Centre

Invited

Chris Kirwa

Emcee

Join us in Nairobi

USD 250

Kenyan residents and UFI members

USD 320

All other delegates

Please book your accommodation directly with one of the official hotels. You will receive discount codes when you register.

Register to attend

Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi

AEF 2026 is hosted by Sarit Expo Centre. The forum also puts Nairobi in the spotlight as a MICE destination, with a networking dinner, a venue tour, lunch at the Hyatt Place and an afternoon trip to Nairobi National Park.

Travel, visa and hotel details will be added here.

  • Dates4–5 December 2026 (arrival 3 December)
  • VenueSarit Expo Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
  • Dress codeRelaxed

Organisers and partners

Hosted by

Sarit Expo Centre

Organised by

Exhibit Africajwc

In partnership with

UFI

Strategic partner

UNIDO

Supporting partners

Fairtradedmg events

Community partners

The Montgomery Group AfricaPrana Events

Other partners

Best Western PremierEMAKAKBEKenya AirwaysQatar AirwaysNation Media GroupDailyCate ChrisMICE DiaryHyatt PlaceHyatt HouseLiveet

Want to contribute more?

Get in touch about opportunities to support the forum.

aef@exhibit-africa.com