The Lagos-based African Travel Market, also known as Akwaaba, is set to participate at the 2026 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) as an exhibitor. This will mark the second consecutive year Akwaaba has exhibited at the MKTE, having made its presence known at the event in 2025. The 16th Magical Kenya Travel Expo is scheduled to take place from October 6th to 8th, 2026, at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi, Kenya.
Akwaaba, which has been in existence for 22 years, is the leading travel and tourism event in West Africa. It has consistently participated in several travel fairs around the world, including the World Travel Market (WTM) London, EMITT Travel Expo Istanbul, Turkey, and ITB Berlin Germany. The event has also exhibited at the Pearl of Africa Travel Expo (POATE) in Uganda, the Kilifair Expo in Arusha, Tanzania, and the Sanganai Expo in Zimbabwe.
The primary target of Akwaaba is to promote Africa to Africans, thereby opening up intra-African travel. Over the years, the event has successfully networked African tour operators, hospitality, aviation, and other travel professionals. Akwaaba attracts over 3,000 tourism professionals from more than 20 African countries. The event is a 3-day exhibition held in Lagos and is attended by delegates from all over Africa.
The next edition of Akwaaba, the 23rd edition, is scheduled to take place from September 5th to 7th, 2027. In 2022, Akwaaba received an award of excellence from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, also known as UN Tourism, and the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism. This award is a testament to the event's impact on promoting tourism within Africa.
Akwaaba has a history of attracting high-profile attendees, including presidents and VIPs. Some notable attendees include President Olusegun Obasanjo, President Dawda Jawara of The Gambia, and current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event also hosts the annual Africa Travel 100 Awards, the African Medical Tourism Expo, and the West African JollofRice war.
The participation of Akwaaba at the 2026 Magical Kenya Travel Expo is expected to further promote intra-African travel and tourism. The event provides a platform for African tourism professionals to network and showcase their products and services. With its proven track record, Akwaaba is poised to make a significant impact at the MKTE.
The 2026 Magical Kenya Travel Expo is expected to draw a large crowd of tourism professionals from across Africa. With Akwaaba's participation, the event is likely to attract even more attention from African tour operators, hospitality providers, and other travel professionals. The expo provides an opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience.
Key points
- Akwaaba African Travel Market to participate at 2026 Magical Kenya Travel Expo as an exhibitor.
- Akwaaba promotes intra-African travel and has networked African tour operators, hospitality, aviation, and other travel professionals.
- The 23rd edition of Akwaaba is scheduled to take place from September 5th to 7th, 2027.
