MKTE Communications Team

A Magical Convergence: #MKTE2025 & #ATIF2025 Redefine Africa’s Tourism Future

The 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) and the inaugural Africa Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) marked a milestone moment for Africa’s tourism community a three-day convergence of policymakers, investors, buyers, exhibitors, and thought leaders united by a shared vision: to unlock Africa’s tourism potential through sustainability, collaboration, and investment.

From strategic policy discussions and immersive exhibitions to lively networking nights and tree-planting ceremonies, #MKTE2025 and #ATIF2025 showcased a continent in motion, confident, creative, and ready to lead.

The event was held at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument & Museum and Carnivore Grounds.

Day One: Industry in Motion

The expo kicked off with palpable energy as buyers, exhibitors, and media filled the Uhuru Gardens Exhibition Hall for a full day of B2B sessions and seminars designed to set the tone for the week.

Morning sessions explored the future of the industry through knowledge-sharing panels:

  • “Reimagining African Tourism through Digital Transformation” examined how technology and data are reshaping destination marketing and traveler experiences.

  • “The Future of Tourism Work – Youth, Skills & New Corporate Culture” spotlighted the next generation of professionals driving innovation and purpose-led travel.

The afternoon’s seminar, “Africa’s Living Culture – Storytelling, Sustainability, and a New Tourism Economy”, celebrated Africa’s diversity, creativity, and cultural pride as key assets for the global tourism stage.

After an immersive guided tour of the Uhuru Gardens Museum, participants converged for the Welcome Networking Cocktail, an evening that fused culture, conversation, and connection. With music, local cuisine, and laughter in the air, it was the perfect curtain-raiser to a landmark event.

Day Two: The Grand Opening

The momentum peaked on Day Two, with the Official Opening Ceremony of both MKTE and ATIF 2025.
Graced by Deputy President Hon. Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism & Wildlife Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, the opening reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a leader in sustainable tourism and a regional hub for investment.

In her keynote, CS Miano emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, noting that “Africa’s time is now but our growth must be inclusive, intentional, and locally driven.”

The inaugural Africa Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) sessions followed, bringing together ministers, investors, and regional tourism bodies for dynamic discussions on cross-border policy alignment, AfCFTA opportunities, and investment readiness.

Speakers included Hon. John Ololtuaa (Kenya), Hon. Rizik Zakaria Hassan (South Sudan), Mahmoud Muhammed Mussa (Zanzibar), and Emily Mburu-Ndoria (AfCFTA Secretariat), who underscored the urgency of harmonized visa regimes, air connectivity, and domestic investment.

Other highlights included:

  • “Investment Opportunities – Gateway to Africa”, with insights from Hasnain Noorani (PrideInn Group), Felix Chege (Real Sources Africa), and Aare Abisoye Fagade (NIHOTOUR Nigeria).

  • “Intra-African Collaboration in Tourism under AfCFTA”, featuring Clara Okoro (My Beautiful Africa) and Ramy Waheed (Amaryllis Hotels), emphasizing the power of African storytelling, trade, and unity.

The day closed with the elegant ATIF Dinner, a night of conversation and inspiration that brought together delegates and ministers from across Africa.

Through fireside chats and tributes to the late Dr. Jane Ngundo, speakers reflected on the deeper meaning of sustainability not just as conservation, but as stewardship, policy, and community empowerment.

As one participant put it: “Sustainability is about giving communities the power to shape their future.”

The day closed with an inspiration from Wangari Maathai’s words: “Do your own little thing. Small actions, when multiplied across the continent, will transform Africa’s tourism into a force for good.”

Day Three: Partnerships, Purpose & the Power of Action

The final day brought the business of tourism to life literally.

Day three began with buyers diving into a speed networking session with exhibitors where they explored available tourism options through prescheduled B2B meetings, where deals were made and future collaborations mapped out. The day’s seminars reflected the heartbeat of Africa’s evolving industry:

  • “Sustainability in Action: Transforming African Tourism through Conservation, Community & Collaboration” showcased how community-owned tourism and green finance are reshaping conservation economies.

  • “Shaping the Future of Africa’s MICE Industry”, moderated by Jeffers Miruka (AFAMCO Group), featured experts Muthuri Kinyamu (Accessible Travel), Kwakye Donkor (African Tourism Partners), and Sumit Dodhia (BaoboxCafea), calling for policy frameworks and professional standards to position Africa as a global meetings hub.

  • “Innovation of Product & Experience Diversification in Tourism” spotlighted new frontiers in adventure, wellness, and cultural travel.

Delegates later joined hands for a symbolic tree-planting ceremony reaffirming tourism’s commitment to conservation and climate resilience.

The evening’s Nightlife Experience brought the event to a close through a celebration of music, food, and friendship, capturing the spirit of Kenyan hospitality and the joy of shared journeys.

The Closing Ceremony wrapped up three days of energy, insight, and inspiration with one clear message echoing through the grounds:

“Africa’s tourism future is in Africa’s hands and it’s already unfolding.”

See you at the 16th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in 2026!