People attend Meetings Africa 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Feb. 27, 2024. Meetings Africa 2024, a Pan-African business and trade show, kicked off Tuesday here in Johannesburg, attracting 380 exhibiting companies from 21 African countries to showcase their products and services.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

People visit Meetings Africa 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Feb. 27, 2024. Meetings Africa 2024, a Pan-African business and trade show, kicked off Tuesday here in Johannesburg, attracting 380 exhibiting companies from 21 African countries to showcase their products and services.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Exhibitors talk with visitors at Meetings Africa 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Feb. 27, 2024. Meetings Africa 2024, a Pan-African business and trade show, kicked off Tuesday here in Johannesburg, attracting 380 exhibiting companies from 21 African countries to showcase their products and services.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Exhibitors talk with visitors at Meetings Africa 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Feb. 27, 2024. Meetings Africa 2024, a Pan-African business and trade show, kicked off Tuesday here in Johannesburg, attracting 380 exhibiting companies from 21 African countries to showcase their products and services.(Photo: Xinhua)

 
Meetings Africa 2024, a Pan-African business and trade show, kicked off Tuesday here in Johannesburg, South Africa, attracting 380 exhibiting companies from 21 African countries to showcase their products and services.

"During its early years, the representation was primarily South African, with minimal participation from the rest of Africa. Over the years, we have successfully expanded the event, and today, it stands as a truly Pan-African show," said South African Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille at the opening of the show.

The annual event has become a key strategic platform for business meetings and events, and a hallmark in showcasing the best of the African business events sector, De Lille said, noting that a total of 19 exhibitors are making their debut at Meetings Africa this year.

With 63 countries represented in terms of buyers, this year's Meetings Africa promises to be an event rich in collaboration and partnerships that extend far beyond the continent of Africa, according to De Lille.

Meetings Africa has been in existence for 18 years and this year marks the 17th occurrence of the show as it was skipped in 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Meetings Africa 2024 will end on Wednesday.