The KwaZulu-Natal north coast town of uMhlathuze has been selected to host the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA), an event that showcases Africa’s tourism investment potential by positioning emerging destinations as prime investment hubs and connecting projects with investors.
On Wednesday, uMhlathuze, the third-largest municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, was officially announced as the host city for the third annual TIFA. The forum will bring together business leaders and investors from across Africa, offering opportunities to engage with market-ready tourism projects.
Positioning Africa as a Tourism Investment Powerhouse
TIFA plays a crucial role in helping African destinations secure investment, ensuring long-term economic success. The first edition of the forum was held in Kanoneiland, Upington, in 2023, followed by Cape Town in 2024. The selection of uMhlathuze, a vital port city, underscores its rising status as a hub for tourism, trade, and investment.
The event, scheduled for August 26–27 in Richards Bay, will be themed “Tourism and Infrastructure Investment: Driving Economic Transformation and Enhancing Community Well-Being.” It is expected to attract key industry stakeholders, investors, policymakers, and tourism leaders from across the continent and beyond.
TIFA 2025 aims to foster impactful discussions, partnerships, and investment opportunities to drive sustainable tourism development in Africa.
A Boost for Local Economic Development
Xolani Ngwezi, Mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality, emphasized the city’s commitment to leveraging TIFA as a catalyst for economic growth.
“We intend to drive economic growth while positioning our port city and region as a competitive hub for export trade and investment. The city has various investment projects in the pipeline aimed at unlocking the region’s global competitiveness—not only for trade but also for tourism,” Ngwezi stated.
He highlighted uMhlathuze’s strategic location as a gateway to the natural attractions of Zululand and Maputaland, as well as its growing reputation as a cruise ship destination, making it an ideal host for this prestigious event.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Tourism Vision
Sibusiso Gumbi, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, stressed that hosting TIFA aligns with the province’s strategic goals of promoting tourism and positioning KwaZulu-Natal as a premier film and business events destination.
“Hosting the event will not only create opportunities for access to capital but also elevate lesser-known regions and cities as attractive investment locations and business events destinations,” said Gumbi.
Showcasing Investment Potential
The event will put uMhlathuze’s investment projects and initiatives—particularly catalytic ones—under the spotlight. Delegates will also participate in site visits to key locations, highlighting the tourism potential of the Zulu Kingdom.
With the forum set to attract global attention, uMhlathuze is positioning itself as a major player in the future of African tourism investment.
