RX Africa, the continent’s premier exhibition organiser, is proud to announce its ongoing commitment to creating event environments that foster thriving business ecosystems. Through a strategic digital transformation aimed at elevating the power of face-to-face, RX Africa continues to be a trailblazer in the events industry by remaining dedicated to facilitating the sustained growth of businesses across Africa
This follows the release of event statistics by the City of Cape Town’s Event Permit Office, stating that impressive economic growth took place in 2023 in the City as a direct result of innovative events.
In Cape Town alone, some of RX Africa’s events contributed to the R4 billion of revenue generated from events across the city last year. With an impressive 400 events in 42 sectors and 22 countries, RX Global is making an impact through its diverse portfolio of exhibitions, conferences and trade shows around the globe. Events are crucial in driving economic growth and development by promoting various sectors such as tourism, hospitality and local businesses.
RX Africa is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing tourism and travel in Africa, which are a vital contribution to the continent’s economy. Africa Travel Week is a highlight of the company’s event schedule for 2024 and has proven to be instrumental in growth in the tourism and travel industry and hosts sister events World Travel Market Africa (WTM Africa) and International Luxury Travel Market Africa (ILTM Africa).
WTM Africa is one half of ATW, taking place 10 – 12 April 2024 in the Host City of Cape Town saw a 35% increase in exhibitors and attracted 63% new buyers during the 2023 event. 2024 marks the event’s 10-year anniversary and the show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. WTM Africa also hosts niche bolt-on conferences that reflect RX Africa’s dedication to the likes of sustainable tourism practices (WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards), inclusion and diversity (EQUAL Africa conference) and investment and economic growth (Tourism Investment Forum Africa at WM Africa).
- ILTM Africa, hosted at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town from 7 – 9 April 2024, draws in an impressive international market. ILTM Africa is a specialist invitation-only event, where buyers from across the globe are introduced to a collection of high-end African travel experiences. In 2023, ILTM Africa facilitated more than 1 250 unique pre-scheduled appointments and welcomed 88% new buyers.
RX Africa’s conferences and exhibitions provide opportunities for professionals from all spheres to share insights, showcase new products and services and forge partnerships. This exchange of ideas not only contributes to the growth of individual businesses but also enhances the overall competitiveness of the economy. The company’s pivotal events serve as platforms for knowledge exchange and networking and for promoting innovation and collaboration within industries.
Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, emphasizes the importance of diversity in all sectors. “Powered by a wealth of talent, tech and intelligence, we’re broadening our reach to cover the richest diversity in people, industries and markets. It’s about helping our customers to flourish and open more doors, in more places, than ever before.”
Furthermore, over 26 000 job opportunities were created in the City of Cape Town through events in 2023, and RX Africa places vital importance on using local suppliers for various services, which leads to local economic growth.
- Comic Con Africa (27 April – 1 May 2024 at Cape Town International Convention Centre and 26 – 29 September 2024 at Johannesburg Expo Centre) is an annual attendee favourite, bringing in over 70 000 visitors. Along with panels, seminars and workshops with comic book professionals, Comic Con Africa previews of upcoming feature films and portfolio review sessions with top comic book and video game companies. With over 300 exhibitors, 150 speakers, 192 hours of live content and 27 celebrity guests, the event continues to make great economic impact.
Decorex Africa is another highlight of the RX Africa event schedule and takes place in Cape Town in June and Johannesburg in August 2024. This event showcases African and South African design and draws in over 57 000 visitors, proving its essential role in the bolstering of the economy through attendees and participants.
Additional Event Highlights in 2024
- 100% Design Africa
- Date: 1 – 4 August 2024
- Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg
- Key Features: Africa’s only international design show for eight years, a platform for contemporary designs from across the continent. 100% Design Africa brings in an impressive 30 022 visitors (67% consumer, 33% trade).
- Mzansi Food & Drink Show
- Date: 15 – 17 June 2024
- Venue: Kyalami International Convention Centre, Johannesburg
- Key Features: Mzansi Food & Drink show will deliver a beautiful melting pot of Mzansi’s most-loved food and beverages and provide a comprehensive view of the latest trends, products, and innovations in the food and beverage industry, and offer opportunities for education, networking, and discovery.
FAME Week Africa
- Date: 2 – 4 September 2024
- Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Key Features: FAME Week Africa is a global stage, connecting audiences worldwide and fostering inclusivity while catalysing positive change in Africa’s creative industries. The gathering saw an increase of 15% from 2022 in attendees last year for one of its major events, MIP Africa.