The Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI) and Africa’s Eden Tourism Association have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The partnership links business events with leisure tourism across Southern Africa.
“This MOU … brings the strength of Africa’s Eden’s destination network together with SAACI’s depth in the business events industry the kind of smart, collaborative thinking our region needs,” said Jacques Fouché, SAACI chairperson. The collaboration gives members of both associations access to shared opportunities like knowledge-sharing sessions and platforms for event speakers.
Key partnership areas
The MOU covers three main collaboration areas:
Reciprocal membership benefits – allowing members from both associations to access more events, knowledge-sharing sessions, and promotional opportunities.
Joint event development – including a proposed regional MICE event in Livingstone in February 2026. Both associations will also participate together in international trade shows like IMEX Frankfurt and Meetings Africa 2026.
Shared platforms – providing member promotion and speaking opportunities across both associations’ flagship conferences and AGMs.
“Our members will now benefit from integrated access to new regional markets, particularly in key leisure-meets-MICE destinations,” added Glenton De Kock, CEO of SAACI. “This alliance helps us build a more connected, opportunity-rich African business events environment.”
Jillian Blackbeard, executive director of Africa’s Eden, commented: “We’re excited about what this partnership means for our region. It allows us to break down silos between the leisure and MICE sectors while offering our members direct access to business networks, capacity-building opportunities, and shared platforms that amplify their reach.”
A joint steering committee will oversee implementation and ensure measurable outcomes for members of both associations.
