…Lagos-based travel fair returns to MKTE as Africa deepens intra-continental tourism connections
Akwaaba African Travel Market, the Lagos-based international travel fair, is set to showcase Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry once again at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The participation marks Akwaaba’s second consecutive appearance as an exhibitor at the prestigious East African travel event, following its debut at the expo in 2025.
The 16th edition of MKTE is scheduled for October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi, bringing together tourism stakeholders from across Africa and beyond.
Over the past 22 years, Akwaaba has built a strong presence on the international travel fair circuit, participating in major tourism exhibitions including World Travel Market (WTM) London, EMITT Travel Expo in Istanbul, ITB Berlin, Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in Uganda, Kilifair Expo in Arusha, Tanzania, Sanganai in Zimbabwe and South Africa Travel Indaba.
The Lagos-based event, which positions itself as a platform for Africans promoting Africa to Africans, has played a role in strengthening connections among African tour operators, hospitality businesses, airlines and other travel professionals.
Through its annual three-day exhibition in Lagos, Akwaaba brings together tourism professionals from across the continent, with participation typically exceeding 3,000 delegates from more than 20 African countries.
Its focus on intra-African tourism has provided a platform for travel businesses to develop partnerships, exchange ideas and promote destinations and tourism products across national borders.
Now in its 22nd year, Akwaaba is preparing for its 23rd edition, scheduled for September 5 to 7, 2027, in Lagos.
The travel fair has also received international recognition, including an Award of Excellence from UN Tourism and the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism in 2022.
Akwaaba has attracted prominent personalities over the years, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Gambian President Dawda Jawara and President Bola Tinubu, alongside other government leaders and VIPs.
Beyond its core travel exhibition, Akwaaba hosts the annual Africa Travel 100 Awards, the African Medical Tourism Expo and the West African Jollof Rice War, further broadening its platform for tourism, hospitality and cultural exchange.
Its return to MKTE underscores the growing effort by African travel platforms and industry stakeholders to strengthen intra-African tourism and create more opportunities for Africans to discover, connect with and do business across the continent.