We Are Africa (WAA) Local, organised by This is Beyond, will return in an expanded one-and-a-half-day format in 2026 following positive industry feedback and strong engagement from the Southern African trade. The 2026 edition will take place from May 4-5 at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium, kicking off WAA week with focus on local trade engagement.
The extended format will include 21 scheduled appointments per diary, two networking lunches, one pitch-side party and the launch of the WAA Local Awards to honour local trade leaders.
The event will again offer 250 local travel professionals the opportunity to connect with leading travel brands across Africa, focusing on inbound operators, DMCs and product managers.
“Last year was our opportunity to prove the concept and give everyone a taste of what to expect. WAA Local showed its value and is emerging as a highly specialised trade fair in its own right. We’ll be doubling down on our efforts in this exciting space,” said Ryan Wallace, MD and Co-Founder of We Are Africa.
