18 September 2025 – Essence of Africa, Africa’s meetings-driven international buyer’s forum, today announced a focused, insight‑driven content programme for its 2025 edition, taking place 7–9 October at Diamonds Malindi on Kenya’s coastline. Designed to support sustainable growth across the continent, the programme will spotlight adventure, conservation, and integrity in tourism.
Content highlights include:
- Keynote: Riaan Manser, record‑breaking South African explorer, on “There is an Ocean between Saying and Doing,” offering a fresh perspective on authentic African experiences and opportunity.
- Marine conservation and coastal tourism: Justin Beswick of Bahari Hai (Watamu) on ‘Living Oceans, Thriving Tourism’ sharing community‑led sea turtle conservation as a driver of healthy oceans and resilient coastal travel (Sponsored by ResRequest).
- Impact and integrity: The Long Run’s Dr. Anne‑Kathrin Zschiegner and Joy Mbatau to lead an interactive session on proving authenticity, credibility and best practice guided by the 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce (Sponsored by Tourplan).
- Market Buzz returns: Fast fire market intel from facilitators and buyers around the world – sharing what buyers are seeking now. Focus regions include Africa & the Middle East, the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe covering the core source markets sending travellers to Africa.
Essence of Africa combines business with place‑based learning: up to 38 pre‑scheduled one‑on‑one appointments between pre‑qualified international buyers and leading African sellers, targeted seminars, evening networking infused with local culture, and familiarisation trips that extend beyond the host country.
Building on momentum from the inaugural 2024 forum in Nairobi – which gathered 360+ professionals from 37 countries and facilitated 4,200+ meetings between 130 top‑producing buyers and 125 African exhibitors – the 2025 edition promises to be even bigger advancing long‑term partnerships across Africa whilst showcasing Kenya’s coastal charm.
“We’re really looking forward to hearing from Riaan and all our speakers as they explore themes of adventure and responsibility in African travel. It’s about practical ideas we can take back to our businesses and the inspiration to keep moving the industry forward,” said Amanda Margison, Co‑Founder of Essence of Africa.
“Our goal is to turn insight into action, sparking partnerships that convert demand into bookings and create measurable benefits for nature, people, and culture. Africa’s tourism future is bright, powered by resilience and the warmth of our communities and Essence of Africa is where the world comes to help shape it,” concluded Chris Mears, Co‑Founder of Essence of Africa.
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About Essence of Africa:
Essence of Africa is a private sector-led initiative designed to connect international buyers with African tourism suppliers. The event features pre-scheduled meetings, networking events, educational seminars, and familiarisation trips, providing a comprehensive platform for business development and collaboration.
