Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- Lagos leads Africa into electric boat racing
- Ikogosi resort unveils presidential suite
- Marriott to open safari camp in Serengeti
Lagos Hosts First African Electric Boat Race: October 4-5
Lagos will make a bold entrance into the world of electric powerboat racing as it hosts the first-ever African stop of the UIM E1 World Championship on October 4th and 5th.
As the first city on the continent to feature in this electric powerboat series, Lagos is stepping into the global sustainability spotlight. Its coastal charm and fast-growing economy have positioned it as a fitting venue, reflecting Africa’s increasing engagement with innovation and clean energy.
Organizers are framing the event as more than just a race. Rodi Basso, leading the charge for the E1 Series, emphasized its potential to stimulate tourism, boost local enterprise, and build long-term economic ties. Despite the complexities of launching in a new market, the energy around Lagos as a partner city is unmistakable.
The race weekend is expected to deliver not only high-speed excitement but also strategic value to the African meetings and events industry. It’s a moment to connect, collaborate, and demonstrate Africa’s readiness to host world-class sustainable events.
Minister Opens Luxury Suite at Ikogosi Resort, Backs Tourism 2030 Plan
Nigeria’s hospitality landscape welcomed a new chapter with the inauguration of a Presidential Suite at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Centre. The Honorable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, officially opened the 320-square-meter suite, marking a significant investment in the country’s tourism infrastructure.
Designed for comfort and elegance, the suite includes multiple bedrooms, a spacious living room, a full kitchen, and a private patio. It can accommodate up to eight guests, offering a refined blend of comfort and function for both leisure and business travelers. This development reaffirms the resort’s position as both a scenic retreat and a conference destination.
Minister Musawa lauded Cavista Holdings and Glocient Hospitality for their partnership in enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian tourism. Speaking at the Destination 2030 Strategic Retreat held at the resort, she highlighted the importance of technology and data in shaping future growth and creating jobs across the sector.
The event underscored the role of the Destination 2030 platform in national planning, as stakeholders outlined pathways to a sustainable and inclusive tourism future. With this presidential suite and ongoing collaborations, Ikogosi is setting a precedent for what luxury, vision, and strategic investment can mean for Africa’s MICE economy.
Luxury Serengeti Safari Camp: Marriott’s Autograph Collection Debuts in 2025
Marriott International is set to elevate safari travel in Africa with the arrival of its Autograph Collection in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in late 2025. Positioned near the Fort Ikoma gate, the upcoming Mapito Safari Camp will offer front-row access to one of nature’s most stunning spectacles—the annual Great Migration.
The camp will feature 16 upscale tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa, each with private decks, open-air fire pits, and retractable roofs for stargazing. The property is designed not just as accommodation but as a full sensory journey into the heart of the savannah. Guests can expect luxurious amenities like a spa, fitness center, swimming pool, and locally inspired dining at “The Boma,” a communal space modeled after traditional bonfire gatherings.
Mapito Safari Camp promises immersive experiences that range from day and night game drives to hot air balloon rides, walking safaris, and cultural exchanges with the Ikoma people. Sustainability forms a key pillar of the project, with strong commitments to conservation and a low ecological impact.
For event planners, this presents a rare blend of exclusivity and authenticity. A high-end retreat set against one of the world’s most iconic backdrops, the camp offers a distinct setting for meetings, incentives, and retreat experiences grounded in local culture and natural beauty.
That’s it for today.