NMBM AFFIRMS IT'S CONFERENCING POSITION
Published: March 10, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality continues to affirm itself as the conferencing destination of choice.
This week alone, the Municipality in partnership with relevant stakeholders hosted two national and continental conferences, the International Conference on Business Models in Agriculture (IBMA) and the Eastern Cape Transport Research Symposium.
Both events hosted more than 600 delegates.
The transport symposium hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Transport saw delegates from across the country, made up of experts in the transport industry, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), members of the SMME sector, Transnet, the Nelson Mandela University and other relevant stakeholders in attendance. The symposium was held at the Nelson Mandela University.
The IBMA Conference held at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre (ICC) in Nelson Mandela Bay brought together delegates, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders from across the world.
The two-day event provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and discussions focused on innovation, sustainability and the future of agriculture in Africa. Delegates engaged in insightful presentations and networking opportunities aimed at strengthening agribusiness and advancing agricultural development across the continent.
The discussions also explored how innovative financing mechanisms, research collaboration and academic partnerships can help unlock opportunities for African agribusinesses and connect local innovations to global markets. The discussions further highlighted the role of universities, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in driving research, innovation and sustainable growth within the agricultural sector.
In 2025 the conferencing industry directly and indirectly injected R138 million into the City's economy.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Directorate Acting Executive Director, Wandisile Makwabe, said the growth of the conferencing industry within Nelson Mandela Bay is a result of the efforts that the Directorate, working with the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau Committee, have been making behind the scenes.
"We have been working behind the scenes to position the City as a conferencing destination of choice. The work that has happened includes the entire value chain of conferencing, hospitality, tourism and supporting elements such as safety, service delivery and job creation," said Acting ED Makwabe.
Makwabe said conferencing was one of the major contributors to work opportunities and that the benefits are beginning to show.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Councillor Bassie Kamana, said the Municipality will continue to invest effort in attracting major conferences and events to Nelson Mandela Bay.
"Nelson Mandela Bay is steadily cementing its reputation as a premier destination for conferences and knowledge exchange on the continent. When we attract conferences of this magnitude, we are not only showcasing the beauty and capability of our Metro, but we are also stimulating the local economy, supporting tourism and creating meaningful opportunities for our people. This is the type of economic activity that drives inclusive growth and positions our City on the global stage," said MMC Kamana.
The hosting of these conferences forms part of the Municipality’s broader strategy to position Nelson Mandela Bay as a competitive destination for meetings, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), while also strengthening sectors such as tourism, research, agriculture and transport.
Over the past year, Nelson Mandela Bay has successfully hosted a number of major national and international conferences, drawing thousands of delegates to the Metro.
Among the highlights were several G20-related meetings, NAACAM Conference and NMSA Auto Week hosted in the Metro, alongside sector-focused conferences in tourism, academia, business development and public sector innovation. Many of these events were held at leading venues such as the Boardwalk ICC and Nelson Mandela University. The continued influx of such conferences has significantly contributed to the local economy through increased hotel occupancy, restaurant activity, local transport usage and broader tourism spending.
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