By Nomazulu Moyo
Gauteng will host the inaugural Africa Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) from 18 to 21 August 2026 as organisers seek to position Africa as a leading golf tourism destination while driving tourism, trade, investment and job creation.The four-day convention, to be held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, was officially launched on Thursday by government, tourism and golf industry leaders.
The event will bring together tourism authorities, golf clubs, resorts, investors, airlines, hospitality brands, destination marketing organisations, policymakers and business leaders from Africa and abroad.AGTC founder and convention director Neo Peete said the initiative aims to change how Africa promotes itself to the world.”Golf is not the destination. Golf is the connector. It connects people, countries, businesses and investors, creating conversations that become opportunities,” she said.
Peete said Africa has world-class golf courses and tourism attractions but has traditionally marketed itself as separate destinations rather than as a single tourism market.She said the convention will feature a Destination Showcase, Business of Golf Leadership Forum, Africa Golf Tourism Investment Forum, Spain-Africa Golf Tourism Forum, ministerial and diplomatic engagements, business-to-business meetings, exhibitions, networking sessions and a golf demonstration day at Serengeti Estates.
Peete added that organisers also plan to leave a lasting legacy through initiatives such as the She Belongs Women’s Forum and the Caddie Ambassador and Youth Skills Development Programme, aimed at creating career opportunities for young people in the golf tourism sector.Executive Director of the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau, Nonnie Kubeka, said the event reinforces Gauteng’s reputation as a leading business events destination.”Business events create lasting economic value by supporting local businesses, creating jobs and positioning destinations globally,” she said.
Gauteng Tourism Authority head of destination marketing and communications Barba Gaoganediwe said the convention supports the province’s strategy of combining business tourism with leisure experiences.He said Gauteng’s Golden Fairway Golf Route, which links more than 40 golf courses, provides a strong foundation for golf tourism while the convention is expected to benefit hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other tourism businesses.
Organisers said countries including Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Spain and the United Arab Emirates have already expressed interest in participating.The convention comes as African countries seek to expand tourism, attract investment and boost intra-African travel under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Sponsorship, exhibition and delegate registration are now open.
