In the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) 2011-2012 report on The Exhibition Industry in the Middle East & Africa, South Africa has been named one of the leading exhibition markets in the region.

The report shows that exhibition and trade fairs in Africa increased by 15% since 2006 and, with 112 events out of the 433 events on the African continent in 2011, South Africa organised 25% of all trade fairs and exhibitions.

The report states: “Unquestionably, South Africa is the exhibition industry giant in Africa with 15 venues in six cities, 27% of the total number of African venues, 213 700 sqm of gross indoor exhibition rental space (29%) and 112 trade fairs (25%). Johannesburg is the only city that enjoys seven purpose-built exhibition venues in the entire MEA region.”