Essence of Africa 2025 unveils high impact content programme led by explorer Riaan Manser

Essence of Africa 2025 to Spotlight Adventure, Conservation, and Integrity in Kenyan Coastal Forumhe upcoming edition of Essence of Africa, Africa’s premier meetings-driven international buyer’s forum, is set to deliver a powerful blend of business and inspiration on the Kenyan coast from 7–9 October 2025. Hosted at the scenic Diamonds Malindi, this forum is designed to accelerate sustainable growth across the continent by weaving together adventure, conservation, and industry integrity. For Africa’s travel sector, the event’s insight-driven content programme and networking sessions promise to catalyse new partnerships and actionable ideas for the future.

With sustainability and authentic African experiences at the core, the 2025 programme will feature thought-provoking keynotes and interactive sessions. South African explorer Riaan Manser will open with a keynote, “There is an Ocean between Saying and Doing,” offering unique perspectives on the potential of African adventure and the value of action over words. His address aims to challenge industry leaders and sellers to think beyond conventional tourism products, embracing authenticity and bold thinking as the new currency in destination marketing.

Conservation and responsible tourism will take centre stage, beginning with Justin Beswick of Bahari Hai (Watamu), who will present “Living Oceans, Thriving Tourism.” He will share insights from community-led sea turtle conservation initiatives, demonstrating how healthy oceans underpin resilient coastal tourism—a message especially relevant for those developing beach, marine, and eco-tourism products. This session, sponsored by ResRequest, is expected to give practical examples and spark discussions on replicating conservation models across Africa’s coastal destinations.

Attendees will also benefit from an interactive session on impact and integrity, led by Dr. Anne-Kathrin ZschiegnerJoy Mbatau of The Long Run. Their workshop will explore the 4Cs—Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce—as guiding principles for proving authenticity and best practice in tourism. Sponsored by Tourplan, this session is particularly valuable for businesses seeking to bolster their credibility and win the trust of increasingly discerning international partners and travellers.

A signature feature of Essence of Africa is the Market Buzz session, which returns in 2025 with rapid-fire market intelligence from facilitators and buyers representing regions including Africa & the Middle East, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe. This fast-paced exchange will provide in-depth insights into what buyers are seeking, helping sellers align their products with current international demand and identify new growth markets. The focus on core source markets sending travellers to Africa ensures that content remains relevant and actionable for all participants.

What sets Essence of Africa apart is its holistic approach to business and learning. The programme includes up to 38 pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments between pre-qualified international buyers and leading African sellers, offering a platform for targeted deal-making and relationship-building. Complementing these meetings are targeted seminars, evening events infused with local culture, and familiarisation trips that introduce delegates to attractions beyond the host destination, building a deeper appreciation for Kenya’s coastal charm and its tourism potential.

The momentum behind the 2025 edition is fuelled by the success of the inaugural 2024 forum in Nairobi, which brought together over 360 professionals from 37 countries and facilitated more than 4,200 meetings between 130 top-producing buyers and 125 African exhibitors. The upcoming event promises to surpass these achievements, expanding the reach and impact of Africa’s business-to-business tourism platforms while shining a spotlight on Kenya’s unique blend of nature, culture, and hospitality.

According to Amanda Margison, Co-Founder of Essence of Africa, “We’re really looking forward to hearing from Riaan and all our speakers as they explore themes of adventure and responsibility in African travel. It’s about practical ideas we can take back to our businesses and the inspiration to keep moving the industry forward.” This focus on actionable takeaways and inspiration underscores the forum’s commitment to turning insight into measurable results for Africa’s travel landscape.

Co-Founder Chris Mears adds, “Our goal is to turn insight into action, sparking partnerships that convert demand into bookings and create measurable benefits for nature, people, and culture. Africa’s tourism future is bright, powered by resilience and the warmth of our communities, and Essence of Africa is where the world comes to help shape it.”

For the sub-Saharan travel trade, Essence of Africa 2025 is a crucial fixture on the calendar—not just for forging new business relationships, but for staying at the forefront of global trends in sustainable and experience-led tourism. The event’s focus on adventure, conservation, and integrity will challenge participants to rethink their approach, embrace responsible growth, and position Africa as a global leader in meaningful, transformative travel. As the industry looks to the future, platforms like Essence of Africa will play a vital role in shaping the partnerships and priorities that define African tourism in the years to come.