With just two days to go, anticipation is building for Hostex 2026, taking place from 8–10 March at the Sandton Convention Centre. Africa’s food, drink and hospitality community will gather for three days of business, ideas and connection – and Joburg Tourism is once again proud to collaborate in supporting this landmark event.
Held only once every two years, Hostex is the moment when the industry reconnects to source solutions, share insight and explore what’s next. The 2026 edition also marks 40 years of Hostex opening doors for the sector, bringing added momentum to a programme designed to reflect where hospitality is now and where it’s heading.
Highlights include six dedicated districts – Equipment Africa, Food & Drink Africa, Tea & Coffee Africa, Contract Furnishings Africa, Technology Africa and Sustainability Africa – alongside the SA Chefs Village, a hub of competitions, demonstrations and experiential content celebrating culinary craft.
The Bidfood Industry Hub will host seminars exploring leadership, innovation, sustainability, technology and storytelling, while the Coffee Championships will feature the Gauteng Regional Barista Championships and a range of workshops, panel discussions and demonstrations by the Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA).
A global showcase of exhibitors and pavilions from Poland, China, Brazil, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey and Egypt will add international flavour, complemented by the Small and Medium Enterprise Pavilion, a platform for emerging businesses supported by the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition and the Limpopo Economic Development Agency. An ambassador programme will further enrich the event, with industry leaders shaping content and reflecting the breadth of the sector.
Joburg Tourism Executive Head for Tourism Strategic Services, Rendani Khorommbi, explains that the collaboration with Hostex 2026 reinforces Johannesburg’s position as the premier destination for business events and hospitality innovation in Africa.
“While the support is non-financial, this partnership underscores the entity’s commitment to fostering growth, connection and opportunity across the food, drink and hospitality industries,” he says.
Industry professionals are encouraged to pre-register at www.hostex.co.za. Hostex is a trade-only event and is free to trade visitors. No under-18s or prams are permitted on the show floor, and student groups may apply for access on the final day of the show only.
