The inaugural Africa Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) 2026 has unveiled its first group of speakers. This landmark event will take place in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. The convention is scheduled for August 18 to 21, 2026, and aims to create a unified marketplace for Africa's golf, tourism, hospitality, and trade sectors. It seeks to position the continent as a competitive destination for high-value sports tourism.
The speaker lineup brings together a diverse group of experts. These include senior public officials, tourism executives, hospitality professionals, business leaders, and sports personalities. They come from across Africa and other parts of the world. Confirmed speakers include Crezelda Venter, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Gauteng Tourism Authority. Barba Gaoganediwe, Chief Destination Marketing Evangelist at Visit Gauteng, will also speak. Nonnie Kubeka, Head of the Gauteng Convention & Event Bureau, and Dr Sindiswa Mzamo, Global President of Circle of Global Business Women, are also on the list.
The convention will also feature commercial and international voices. Peter Tshidi, Director of Medium and Small Properties at Sun International, is a confirmed speaker. António Louro, Executive Director of Mangais Golf Resort in Angola, will also participate. Joaquin Valverde, General Manager of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce South Africa, and Sadiq Dindar, Founder of AfriLuxe Tourism Advisory Services, are also included. Other speakers are Victor Sibeko, President of the Gauteng Tour Operators Association, and Dr Tebogo Mokope Modjadji, Founder and President of the Chamber of Business and Tourism. Television sports presenter OG Molefe, golf lifestyle entrepreneur Innocentia Motau, and wellness advocate Sonia Booth complete the initial list.
Neo Peete, Founder and Convention Director of AGTC, stated the selected speakers reflect the convention’s ambition. He said they aim to provide strategic insights into Africa’s tourism and hospitality landscape. Mr. Peete emphasized the objective was to assemble genuine change-makers. These individuals possess deep operational and strategic insights into Africa’s tourism, trade, and hospitality dynamics. He added the event would offer delegates and exhibitors practical approaches. These approaches focus on developing sports tourism assets, expanding cross-border trade, and creating new commercial opportunities.
Gisele Masengo, Co-founder and Exhibitions Director of AGTC, highlighted the convention's role. She said it provides a platform for tourism operators and golf-related businesses to connect directly with international buyers. Ms. Masengo noted that Africa represents a promising frontier for luxury sports travel. She explained that sellers of golf and tourism products have lacked a dedicated platform. This platform will allow them to present their offerings directly to qualified buyers. She encouraged destination management companies, hotel groups, golf resorts, and sports apparel brands to register for exhibition spaces and trade passes.
The first three days of AGTC 2026 will feature keynote sessions, business-to-business meetings, and destination showcases. There will also be exhibitions and networking engagements. These will involve tourism authorities, airlines, investors, golf industry leaders, and international media. The convention will conclude with a championship golf day at Serengeti Estate. This is one of South Africa’s leading golfing destinations. Delegates will experience the link between golf, hospitality, and business tourism. Organizers expect the event to strengthen Africa’s participation in the global golf tourism economy. It also aims to create new partnerships across the continent’s travel and leisure sectors.