The 16th edition of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) took place from October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum in Nairobi, Kenya. The event’s theme was “Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the future of Tourism,” focusing on the impact of technology on destination management and travel booking.
Akwaaba African Travel Market’s Participation and Background
Akwaaba African Travel Market returned as an exhibitor at MKTE 2026 after its debut in 2025. With 22 years of operation, Akwaaba targets promotion of intra-African travel, connecting Africans across the continent. It has established itself as an influential platform by attracting over 3,000 tourism
professionals from more than 20 African countries.
Akwaaba’s Global Presence and Recognition
Besides its MKTE participation, Akwaaba has been active internationally, exhibiting at major fairs including the World Travel Market in London, EMITT in Istanbul, ITB in Berlin, Pearl of Africa Travel Expo in Uganda, Kilifair in Arusha, Sanganai in Zimbabwe, and the South Africa Travel Indaba. It also holds an annual exhibition in Lagos, Nigeria.
In 2022, Akwaaba earned an award of excellence from the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the Nigerian Ministry of Tourism, acknowledging its role in advancing African tourism.
Notable Attendees and Related Events Hosted by Akwaaba
Akwaaba events have attracted prominent figures including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu,
former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Gambian former President Dawda Jawara. The organization also hosts the annual Africa Travel 100 Awards, African Medical Tourism Expo, and the West African Jollof Rice war.
The three-day Lagos exhibition continues to draw delegates from across the continent, reinforcing Akwaaba’s central role in African travel networking.
MKTE serves as a crucial platform connecting East African tourism stakeholders with international counterparts, and Akwaaba’s involvement underscores a push to promote intra-African travel and tourism collaboration.
