The Limpopo Provincial Government, through the Limpopo Tourism Agency in partnership with Africa Tourism Partners (ATP) and key continental stakeholders, officially launched the 8th instalment of the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) and Awards at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World on 29 April 2026.
The launch sets the stage for the main Forum in September, positioning Polokwane and the broader Limpopo province as the premier “Gateway to Africa” for tourism investment and continental integration. Delivering the keynote address, the Honorable Tshitereke Matibe, MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment & Tourism (LEDET), outlined an ambitious vision for the province’s growth.
Reflecting on Limpopo’s current standing, MEC Matibe challenged the status quo of national rankings, sharing that “I have always been someone who does not want anybody ahead of me. I never liked second plac… We are still ranked second nationally, but if you look at us, if we are number two to KZN, which has the ocean and everything, it means we are number one in our own domain. One day, we will say: we are number one.”
The MEC highlighted that Limpopo generated R10.2 billion from 8.3 million visitors, demonstrating significant momentum. However, he emphasised that this is only the beginning. The provincial strategy now pivots toward intensifying efforts in international alliances and strengthening infrastructure, with a critical focus on the Polokwane International Airport to facilitate seamless business and travel access across the SADC region.
The forum arrives at a defining moment for Africa. Kwakye Donkor, Chief Executive Officer of Africa Tourism Partners, noted that tourism has evolved into “the currency of culture, diplomacy and economic transformation.”
He emphasised that the ATLF is a platform to build bridges across borders, moving beyond postcards to create sustainable livelihoods through intra-African tourism. Cllr John Makoro Mpe, Executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality, welcomed delegates to the “City of Stars,” stating that the city is ready to showcase its capacity to host large-scale events. He noted that “a visitor brings new eyes to the village,” and that Polokwane is prepared to convert these new perspectives into lasting partnerships.
The launch featured a robust lineup of speakers who underscored the collaborative nature of the upcoming forum:
Kgabo Phaka, Chairperson of SAACI Limpopo, highlighted the readiness of the local MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector and the importance of provincial supply chains.
Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, called for tourism to be recognised as a high-consumption industry that supports over a million jobs, urging a greater ease of regional connectivity. Mr. Andrew Dipela, Board Chairperson of the Limpopo Tourism Agency (LTA), reiterated the board’s commitment to hosting the ATLF for the next three years to ensure a sustainable legacy for local SMMEs.
Keleabetswe Tlouane, Programme Director and DDG at LEDET, facilitated the session, describing the forum as a “melting pot of ideas” for Africa’s future.
The Africa Tourism Leadership Forum (ATLF) continues to serve as the definitive platform for turning pan-African dialogue into a sustainable legacy of economic growth. Be part of the movement redefining our continent’s global standing and join us as we chart the path to the number one spot.
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