The 16th Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) is scheduled from October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi, Kenya. The event’s theme focuses on “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the future of Tourism,” aiming to connect East Africa’s travel and tourism stakeholders.
Akwaaba African Travel Market Returns to MKTE
Akwaaba African Travel Market, based in Lagos, Nigeria, returns as an exhibitor for the second consecutive year at MKTE 2026, having first participated in 2025. With over 22 years of operation, Akwaaba targets intra-African tourism promotion and connects more than 3,000 tourism professionals from over 20 African countries across the
continent.
Akwaaba’s International Outreach and Recognition
Over its history, Akwaaba has taken part in major global travel fairs including World Travel Market London, EMITT Istanbul, ITB Berlin, the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo in Uganda, Kilifair in Arusha, Sanganai in Zimbabwe, and the South Africa Travel Indaba. Akwaaba received an Award of Excellence in 2022 from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism, acknowledging its contribution to tourism development.
Notable Attendees and Additional Tourism Initiatives
Prominent figures such as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Gambian President Dawda Jawara have attended Akwaaba events. The organisation also hosts initiatives including the Africa
Travel 100 Awards, African Medical Tourism Expo, and West African Jollof Rice War, extending its tourism promotion beyond the core travel market.
Strengthening Intra-African Tourism Through Exhibitions
Akwaaba’s participation at the Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2026 enhances its role as a platform linking African tour operators, airlines, and hospitality sectors, fostering business relationships across countries. The event supports the growth of intra-African travel by promoting African destinations to African tourists. The next Akwaaba African Travel Market is planned from September 5 to 7, 2027, in Lagos, continuing this regional engagement.
