We Are Africa Local 2026: A Powerful New 1.5-Day Platform for Africa’s Travel Trade
Cape Town, South Africa – We Are Africa is the time and place where Africa’s high-end travel industry gathers every year, and in 2026 its locally focused platform, We Are Africa Local, returns in an expanded and elevated format.
Following the success of its 2025 debut, We Are Africa Local will take place from Monday 4 May to lunchtime Tuesday 5 May 2026, evolving into a dedicated 1.5-day showcase hosted at Cape Town’s iconic DHL Stadium.
The 2026 edition is shaped by the local inbound trade – a community whose insight, influence, and collaboration continue to define the direction, impact, and long-term strength of Africa’s high-end travel ecosystem. We Are Africa Local 2026 places buyers firmly at the centre of the experience, offering Africa’s most influential travel professionals a rare opportunity to connect directly with Africa’s leading high-end suppliers, all in a highly curated environment.
“Last year was our opportunity to prove the concept and give everyone a taste of what to expect,” says Ryan Wallace, Managing Director and Co-founder of We Are Africa. “We Are Africa Local showed its value and is emerging as a highly specialised trade fair in its own right. In 2026, we’ll be doubling down on our efforts in this exciting space.”
What’s new for 2026?
- The enhanced We Are Africa Local programme includes:
- An expanded 1.5-day format, launching the We Are Africa 2026 week
- Up to 21 pre-scheduled appointments with We Are Africa 2026 exhibitors
- Access to the Sunrise Adventures programme, offering buyers the opportunity to experience Cape Town before meetings begin
- Three networking meals at DHL Stadium with over 500 trailblazers in African travel
- The much-loved Stadium Sundowners, complete with a playful animal onesie dress code
- Opportunity for up to 5 diaries per company
We Are Africa Local 2026 will welcome 250 carefully curated local travel professionals, including top-performing inbound consultants, contracting managers, product managers and owners from African-based DMC's, Tour Operators & Travel Agents. The event creates a rare opportunity to connect directly with Africa’s most sought-after high-end suppliers, fostering partnerships rooted in pride, purpose and shared ambition.
We Are Africa Local 2026 is an immersive experience, intentionally designed to spark collaboration and drive long-term partnerships within Africa’s high-end travel community. Buyers gain increased exposure, inspiration and access, united by a shared mission to champion the continent.
Applications to join the We Are Africa Local buyer programme are now open.
Register your interest, priority invites are already live and spaces are limited.
About We Are Africa
We Are Africa is a trail-blazing event and community, showcasing the remarkable brands and operators that constitute the very best of high-end African travel. The show heralds the creation of a movement aimed at celebrating and promoting the unique beauty of Africa to the world. The five day event combines an unconference, sunrise adventures, pre-matched appointments, international buyers, local buyers and spectacular networking events.
About This is Beyond Ltd, Founders of We Are Africa
Founded in 2008, This is Beyond creates events that reshape industries into inspired communities, one immersive experience at a time. Designed exclusively for thought-leaders and curious minds, each community empowers businesses and drives personal growth.
For all press enquiries, please contact [email protected]. For information on We Are Africa, please visit https://www.weareafricatravel.com