Pictured, from left to right, at the opening ceremony of Hostex 2026 are: Trevor Boyd (Hostex ambassador and operations general manager: Food & Beverage, City Lodge Hotels); Thato Abrahams (Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation); Lerato Nako (events manager, Hostex); Gary Corin, managing director, Montgomery Africa); Mrs Gugu Motlanthe (Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation); Omelele “Omie” Mmbo (Hostex ambassador and head of Business Development, SME (Platinum sub-segment), FNB); Gustav Pieterse (Hostex ambassador, general manager, Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, and Chair, FEDHASA Inland); and Mark Anderson (portfolio director, Montgomery Africa).

Hostex, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is a vital platform reflecting "the commercial heartbeat of Africa". This three-day trade show is a key networking and engagement opportunity for suppliers and buyers in the food, drink and hospitality sector. 

Held every two years, this year's event at the Sandton Convention Centre began on March 8 and will conclude on March 10.

Hostex 2026 offers a dynamic experience that spans two exhibition halls and features six specialised industry districts: Equipment Africa, Food & Drink Africa, Tea & Coffee Africa, Contract Furnishings Africa, Technology Africa, and Sustainability Africa. 

Visitors will remain engaged throughout the day with a combination of on-floor innovation and compelling live content.

“Forty years on, Hostex remains a space where the industry reconnects in person,” says Lerato Nako, event manager of Hostex.

 “This edition reflects the realities of modern hospitality - from commercial pressures and operational efficiency to sustainability, talent and technology. It is about creating genuine opportunity for businesses to move forward.”

Read the full article by Debashine Thangevelo in IOL here.