Welcome to the MICE Africa daily read for MICE Professionals doing business in Africa.
In today’s topics;
- MKTE 2025 to draw 6,500+ global delegates to Nairobi
- Mohamed Mezghani secures top ICCA accolades
- NIHOTOUR addresses federal role in Nigeria’s hospitality industry
Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025: 6,500+ Delegates, Sustainable Tourism
The 15th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is set to take place from October 1st to 3rd, 2025. The event will bring together over 6,500 delegates from more than 40 countries, emphasizing regional collaboration and sustainable tourism across Africa. Hosted by the Kenya Tourism Board, MKTE has become one of the continent’s most influential platforms for travel industry professionals, policymakers, and investors.
This year’s theme, “Sustainable Tourism Growth: Unlocking Africa’s Potential,” places a strong emphasis on balancing expansion with preserving the region’s diverse cultural and natural assets. It’s a timely approach, especially as intra-African travel continues to rise, with neighboring countries making up nearly 41% of Kenya’s international tourist arrivals in 2024.
An important addition to the 2025 edition is the integration of the Africa Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF), which will allow for deeper investment-focused dialogues. The merging of these platforms aims to open new avenues for innovative, eco-conscious tourism projects across the continent.
For professionals in the meetings and events industry, MKTE 2025 promises more than just exhibitions. It’s a space to build meaningful partnerships, uncover emerging markets, and align with Africa’s long-term tourism development goals.
Mohamed Mezghani: ICCA’s 2025 Global Influencer Award Winner
Mohamed Mezghani has been named the 2025 recipient of the ICCA Global Influencer Award, one of the highest recognitions in the international meetings industry.
Currently serving as President of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE) and Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), Mezghani was acknowledged for a career defined by dedication to association-driven impact across more than 70 countries. Over the past 25 years, he has supported advocacy, technical assistance, and education initiatives in collaboration with governments and global organizations.
The award was presented during the IMEX Gala Dinner in Frankfurt, with ICCA President Marta Gomes announcing Mezghani’s honor. In his absence, Ioannis Pallas, Managing Director of ESAE, accepted the award — a gesture that underlined the collective spirit Mezghani has long championed.
ICCA CEO Dr. Senthil Gopinath described him as a visionary whose influence extends far beyond the boardroom. The award not only recognizes individual excellence but also reinforces the pivotal role associations play in connecting people and ideas around the world.
NIHOTOUR Defends New Hospitality Act Against Lagos Hotel Group’s Challenge
The National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) has responded to criticism from the Hotel Owners and Managers Association of Lagos (HOMAL) over Nigeria’s new Hospitality Act.
NIHOTOUR defended the 2022 Establishment Act as a legitimate federal law, developed after wide consultation across the sector. The Institute clarified that its role in setting professional standards and certifications nationwide is within the scope of federal authority, not an infringement on state powers.
Refuting allegations of harassment and misappropriation, NIHOTOUR emphasized that its engagement with enforcement agencies is lawful and targeted at ensuring compliance with national regulations. It also committed to investigating any credible claims of impropriety with fees or registration processes.
In a call for unity, NIHOTOUR urged industry stakeholders to embrace the Act’s framework as a path toward a consistent, professional benchmark for Nigerian hospitality. While it encouraged dialogue, it reminded all parties that legal mandates must be respected to elevate industry standards.
That’s it for today.