By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Pictures: Supplied
Seen Here: Rendani Khorommbi, Executive Head for Tourism Strategic Services at the Johannesburg Tourism Company, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting major industry events such as Hostex and strengthening Johannesburg’s position as Africa’s leading destination for business tourism and hospitality innovation. Photo Credit: Supplied.
Johannesburg — With only days to go before the doors open, excitement is building across Africa’s hospitality sector as Hostex 2026 prepares to welcome industry professionals to the Sandton Convention Centre from 8 to 10 March 2026.
The renowned trade exhibition, held every two years, will bring together leaders from the food, beverage and hospitality industries for three days of networking, innovation and business opportunities. This year’s edition also marks a major milestone — 40 years of Hostex shaping the hospitality landscape across Africa.
The event is supported by the Johannesburg Tourism Company, which has partnered with organisers to reinforce the city’s reputation as a premier destination for international business events.
A gathering point for Africa’s hospitality industry
Hostex has long served as one of the continent’s most important meeting platforms for chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, suppliers and entrepreneurs. The 2026 exhibition is expected to showcase the latest trends, technologies and solutions shaping the future of hospitality.
Visitors will explore six specialised exhibition districts, each focused on key segments of the industry:
- Equipment Africa
- Food & Drink Africa
- Tea & Coffee Africa
- Contract Furnishings Africa
- Technology Africa
- Sustainability Africa
These zones will provide attendees with access to the latest equipment, culinary products, digital innovations and sustainability solutions designed to help businesses remain competitive in a rapidly evolving hospitality environment.
Celebrating culinary excellence
A major attraction at Hostex 2026 will be the SA Chefs Village, hosted in partnership with the South African Chefs Association. The village will feature live cooking demonstrations, competitions and interactive experiences that highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of professional chefs.
Coffee enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore as the Coffee Championships take centre stage. Organised with support from the Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa, the programme includes the Gauteng Regional Barista Championships, alongside workshops, demonstrations and panel discussions dedicated to coffee culture and innovation.
Conversations shaping the future
Industry insight will be another major focus of the event. The Bidfood Industry Hub, hosted by Bidfood, will present a series of seminars exploring topics such as leadership, sustainability, technology and storytelling in hospitality.
These sessions aim to equip professionals with practical knowledge and strategies to navigate the sector’s evolving challenges, from digital transformation to shifting consumer expectations.
A global marketplace
Hostex 2026 will also showcase a strong international presence, with exhibitors and country pavilions representing Poland, China, Brazil, Italy, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey and Egypt. The international participation reflects the growing importance of Africa as a destination for global hospitality investment and trade.
Alongside major exhibitors, the Small and Medium Enterprise Pavilion will provide a platform for emerging businesses. The initiative is supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Limpopo Economic Development Agency, helping small enterprises showcase their products and services to a wider market.
Strengthening Johannesburg’s business tourism
According to Rendani Khorommbi, Executive Head for Tourism Strategic Services at the Johannesburg Tourism Company, the collaboration with Hostex plays an important role in positioning the city as Africa’s leading destination for major business events.
“While the support is non-financial, the partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening connections and creating opportunities within the food, drink and hospitality industries,” Khorommbi said.
A trade-only experience
Hostex remains a trade-only event, meaning entry is reserved for professionals working in hospitality, food service and related industries. Attendance is free for registered trade visitors, though participants are encouraged to pre-register online before the exhibition begins.
Student groups may apply for access on the final day of the event, while organisers have confirmed that no under-18s or prams will be permitted on the exhibition floor. As the hospitality industry continues to recover and evolve, Hostex 2026 promises to be a pivotal moment for businesses looking to connect, innovate and shape the next chapter of Africa’s dynamic food and beverage sector.
