Stakeholders in Africa’s events industry have called for stronger collaboration among players in the sector and the implementation of a convention bureau to help position Kenya and the region as a leading destination for international events.
The call was made on Saturday during a press conference ahead of the inaugural Africa Events Summit (AES), scheduled for September 10–11, 2026, at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi.
The summit organisers said the industry has been characterised by silos and limited trust, factors they said have hindered strategic collaboration and slowed the development of the events economy.
AES Convener and Billion Events CEO Ian Migwi said the summit seeks to serve as a catalyst for collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange by bringing together event stakeholders from across the region.
“The main objective of the event is to act as a catalyst for industry collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange,” Migwi said, describing the summit as a platform bringing together regional event stakeholders for the first time.
The Africa Events Summit is a private-sector initiative building on existing industry conversations, including the Africa MICE Summit & Expo. Recommendations arising from the summit are expected to be submitted to the Principal Secretary for
Stakeholders also raised concerns over the delayed establishment of a convention bureau, with MICE analyst Simon P. attributing the delay to budgetary constraints as the government balances competing priorities in education and healthcare.
The AES Secretariat, however, acknowledged several positive developments by the public sector that could support the growth of the events industry. These include the waiver of visa requirements for 52 African countries, the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex.
Security and safety at events also emerged as a key concern. Litali Kingsley, CEO of Crimeshield Security Ltd, urged event organisers to make security a priority rather than an afterthought.
Kingsley said rising insecurity at some popular event venues could undermine efforts to attract more events to the region. He said the summit will feature a masterclass on event security using real-life case studies to equip industry players with practical approaches to protecting attendees and their property.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Otwal, talent manager for musician Alikiba, will lead a masterclass on experience and creative alignment. He called for increased corporate investment in local artists for campaigns and events, saying this would help strengthen and promote Africa’s creative industry.
Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei is expected to headline the summit with opening remarks.
The opening panel, titled “Building Africa’s Event Economy: Current State, Opportunities & Gaps,” will examine the current state of the sector and opportunities for growth.
The panel will feature Zaheeda Suleman, CEO of The Be Experience Company; Harold Mnkheni, Managing Director of Haddypro Co. Ltd in Tanzania; Eric Mwanzia, Managing Director of The Arts Group Ltd and Chairman of EMAK; Grace Ndiege, Influence and Advocacy Manager at EABL; and Khalhani Sichangi, Founder and Group CEO of KS Group Africa.
The inaugural AES will bring together event planners, producers, venues, suppliers, brands, tourism stakeholders and global manufacturers from across East Africa.
Held under the theme “Building Africa’s Event Economy: Decisions. Direction.
Alignment,” the summit is positioned as a regional industry platform, with organisers planning to expand it into other African markets in future editions.
Billion Events East Africa, an events management and production company, convened the initiative and is supporting its growth, with the intention of creating a platform that will ultimately be driven by the industry itself.
