Africa Meat Expo Background

Hosted By AirMeat

Africa
Meat Expo

The definitive gathering for Africa's meat, livestock, and protein value chain. Gqeberha, South Africa.

Invite-only launch

2 November 2026

08:00 – 14:00 · Nelson Mandela University DomeRSVP by 28 October 2026

Register – November Launch

International Expo

9 – 11 April 2027

Nelson Mandela University

Register – April International Expo

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Two Events. One Industry.

Invite-only

Africa Meat Expo Launch

Date
2 November 2026
Time
08:00 – 14:00
Venue
Nelson Mandela University Dome

RSVP by 28 October 2026

The official launch of Africa Meat Expo. An invite-only morning for industry leaders, government and partners ahead of the 2027 International Expo.

Open to exhibitors, sponsors & visitors

Africa Meat Expo – International Expo

Date
9 – 11 April 2027
Time
Daily times to be confirmed
Venue
Nelson Mandela University

Three days of exhibitions, conference sessions and trade networking for the full meat, livestock, seafood and dairy value chain. Open to the public, exhibitors and sponsors.

Official Partners

Countdown to the Africa Meat Expo Launch

2 November 2026 · 08:00 – 14:00 · Nelson Mandela University Dome

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About Africa Meat Expo

The Problem

Africa holds over one-third of the world's livestock population, and livestock contributes up to 40% of the continent's agricultural GDP.[1] Yet despite this, Africa accounts for only 6% of global meat production.[2] Across Sub-Saharan Africa, food losses in the agricultural supply chain sit at nearly 20%, the highest of any region in the world.[3]

The numbers tell a story that is hard to ignore. A continent rich in land, labour, and livestock, feeding over 1.4 billion people, yet consistently producing below its potential. By 2050, the demand for poultry meat in Sub-Saharan Africa alone is projected to increase by over 200%.[4]

The resources exist. The talent exists. What has been missing is the right space for the right people to come together.

The Solution

Africa Meat Expo is that space.

Meat is woven into the fabric of African life. It is present at every celebration, every negotiation, every gathering that matters. Across the continent, it carries cultural weight, nutritional significance, and economic importance that no policy brief can fully capture. This expo honours that reality, and builds on it.

Hosted by AirMeat in Gqeberha, this is the continent's first dedicated pan-African platform for the full meat, livestock, seafood, and dairy value chain. It opens with the invite-only Africa Meat Expo Launch on 2 November 2026 at the Nelson Mandela University Dome, followed by the Africa Meat Expo – International Expo from 9 – 11 April 2027 at Nelson Mandela University.

Africa Meat Expo is a B2B trade, networking, education and industry collaboration platform. Farmers, traders, processors, retailers, researchers and investors meet alongside international delegates to do business, share knowledge and build partnerships across the protein value chain.

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Launch 2 November 2026 · Expo 9 – 11 April 2027

Africa Meat Expo
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Addressing the crisis

Foot and Mouth Disease continues to threaten the stability of Southern Africa's livestock industry. When outbreaks occur, they don't just harm animals they shut down trade routes, halt meat processing facilities, and put thousands of farming jobs at risk. The ripple effects touch everyone: reduced protein availability in local markets, loss of export revenue, and increased food prices for consumers already facing economic pressure.

That's exactly why Africa Meat Expo has made biosecurity a central focus. We're creating a space where veterinary scientists can present their latest research, where tech companies can showcase monitoring solutions, and where farmers can learn directly from those who've successfully contained outbreaks. This isn't about one organization solving the problem, it's about bringing the right people into the same room so they can share what's actually working on the ground.

Our Focus Areas:

  • Restoration of export market access and international trade status
  • Stabilization of meat supply chains across provincial borders
  • Protection of small-scale and commercial farmers' livelihoods
  • Reinforcement of national food security and protein availability
South Africa Foot and Mouth Disease Risk Map with virus indicators

Education

  • •Scientific discussions on biosecurity protocols
  • •Disease management and prevention strategies
  • •Implementation of high-level veterinary standards

Collaboration

  • •Direct dialogue between government and veterinarians
  • •Knowledge exchange for commercial and SME farmers
  • •Policy development and industry workshops

Innovation

  • •Real-time livestock monitoring and health tracking
  • •Advanced traceability and supply chain software
  • •Rapid diagnostic and testing tools on-site

Industry Strengthening

  • •Comprehensive supply chain risk auditing
  • •Market readiness and international compliance
  • •Sustainable livestock management frameworks

Join the Biosecurity Initiative

We are calling on researchers, veterinarians, agri-tech innovators, and farmers to join our 2027 panels. Share your technology, present your findings, and help us build a more resilient meat industry.

Become a Contributor

Our Ecosystem

Who the Expo Connects

  • Farmers & Producers

    Cattle, sheep, pork, poultry, game and aquaculture producers.

  • Feed & Grain

    Animal feed, nutrition, grain and silage supply.

  • Animal Health

    Veterinary services, biosecurity, medicines and diagnostics.

  • Processing & Packaging

    Abattoirs, butchery, value addition, ingredients and packaging.

  • Logistics & Cold Chain

    Cold chain, transport, warehousing, fulfilment and traceability.

  • Equipment & Technology

    Processing machinery, refrigeration, agri-tech and software.

  • Suppliers & Service Providers

    Certification, compliance, consulting, trade media and policy.

  • Retail & Food Service

    Wholesale, supermarkets, restaurants, catering and delis.

  • Investors & Finance

    Banks, development finance, insurance and enterprise support.

Meat Sectors

Livestock Farming
Beef & Cattle
Lamb & Mutton
Pork & Swine
Poultry & Eggs
Game & Exotic Meats
Seafood & Aquaculture
Feed & Nutrition
Grain & Silage
Animal Health & Vet Services
Biosecurity & Food Safety
Abattoirs & Slaughterhouses
Butchery & Meat Cutting
Spices, Marinades & Ingredients
Packaging Materials & Design
Casing & Preservation
Cold Chain Logistics
Transportation & Fleet
Warehousing & Storage
Traceability & Fulfilment
Processing Machinery
Refrigeration & Cooling
Agri-Tech & Software
Certification (Halal/Kosher/Organic)
Safety & Quality Regulation
Governmental Body & Policy
Trade Media & Journalism
Event Services
Wholesale & Distribution
Retail & Supermarkets
Restaurant & Hospitality
Catering & Industrial Feeding
Financial Services & Insurance
Development Finance & Investors
Livestock Farming
Beef & Cattle
Lamb & Mutton
Pork & Swine
Poultry & Eggs
Game & Exotic Meats
Seafood & Aquaculture
Feed & Nutrition
Grain & Silage
Animal Health & Vet Services
Biosecurity & Food Safety
Abattoirs & Slaughterhouses
Butchery & Meat Cutting
Spices, Marinades & Ingredients
Packaging Materials & Design
Casing & Preservation
Cold Chain Logistics
Transportation & Fleet
Warehousing & Storage
Traceability & Fulfilment
Processing Machinery
Refrigeration & Cooling
Agri-Tech & Software
Certification (Halal/Kosher/Organic)
Safety & Quality Regulation
Governmental Body & Policy
Trade Media & Journalism
Event Services
Wholesale & Distribution
Retail & Supermarkets
Restaurant & Hospitality
Catering & Industrial Feeding
Financial Services & Insurance
Development Finance & Investors

Supporting Entities

Department of Agriculture logo
Government Department

Department of Agriculture

Department of Land Reform and Rural Development logo
Government Department

Department of Land Reform and Rural Development

National Department of Health logo
Government Department

National Department of Health

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition logo
Government Department

Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

Department of Transport logo
Government Department

Department of Transport

Department of Tourism logo
Government Department

Department of Tourism

Department of Science and Innovation logo
Government Department

Department of Science and Innovation

Department of Small Business Development logo
Government Department

Department of Small Business Development

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment logo
Government Department

Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Sarah Baartman District Municipality logo
Government Department

Sarah Baartman District Municipality

National Treasury logo
Government Department

National Treasury

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber logo
Municipal Body

Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality logo
Municipal Body

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research logo
Government Agency

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Technology Innovation Agency logo
Government Agency

Technology Innovation Agency

Eastern Cape Development Corporation logo
Government Agency

Eastern Cape Development Corporation

Small Enterprise Development Agency logo
Government Agency

Small Enterprise Development Agency

Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency logo
Government Agency

Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency

Industrial Development Corporation logo
Government Agency

Industrial Development Corporation

Agricultural Research Council logo
Government Agency

Agricultural Research Council

National Empowerment Fund logo
Government Agency

National Empowerment Fund

Land Bank logo
Government Agency

Land Bank

Expo Floor

April International Expo · 9 – 11 April 2027 only

Sponsor the Expo

Position your brand at the center of Africa's meat industry. Gain unparalleled visibility and connect with key decision-makers.

These packages are for the Africa Meat Expo – International Expo, 9 – 11 April 2027 at Nelson Mandela University. The November Launch on 2 November 2026 is invite-only and has no exhibitor or sponsorship packages.

Headline Partner

Title Sponsor

The most prestigious partnership available. Total brand integration across all event facets, media coverage, and naming rights.

Event Naming Rights
Logo on all event branding
Keynote Speaking chance
Dedicated Social Media Campaign
15 VVIP Passes
Media & Press Coverage

Investment

R500,000

Silver

6 Slots Remaining

  • Everything in Bronze
  • Logo on printed material
  • 3X2m stand space
  • 4 VIP tickets

R75,000

Gold

6 Slots Remaining

  • Everything in Silver
  • Onsite Signature
  • Better Stand Space Positioning
  • 6 VIP tickets

R150,000

Platinum

2 Slots Remaining

  • Everything in Gold
  • Key social media features
  • Promo material inclusion
  • Speaking opportunity
  • 10 VVIP Passes
  • Signage on collateral

R300,000

April International Expo · 9 – 11 April 2027 only

Exhibit at the Expo

Position your brand at the center of Africa's meat industry. Gain unparalleled visibility and connect with key decision-makers.

These packages are for the Africa Meat Expo – International Expo, 9 – 11 April 2027 at Nelson Mandela University. The November Launch on 2 November 2026 is invite-only and has no exhibitor or sponsorship packages.

Exhibition Stand
Standard Exhibition Package

Standard Exhibition Package

Clean. Modern.
Professional Stand

Our exhibition spaces are designed for impactful networking and product showcases. We handle the setup, you focus on making connections.

  • 3x2m Booth
  • Branded Facia
  • 15amp plugpoint
  • 2 Chairs & Table
  • Lighting
  • WIFI Access
  • 2 General Tickets

One standard rate

R9,000

Per 3m x 2m stand · April 2027 expo

One standard rate for every exhibitor at the Africa Meat Expo – International Expo, 9 – 11 April 2027 - no phases, no tiers. Stands are allocated on a first-paid, first-served basis.

Venues & Directions

Both events are at Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

November Launch

Nelson Mandela University Dome

2 November 2026 · 08:00 – 14:00 · Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Directions to the Dome

April International Expo

Nelson Mandela University

9 – 11 April 2027 · Gqeberha, Eastern Cape

Directions to the Expo

Recommended Accommodation

Hotels and stays near Nelson Mandela University.

The Boardwalk Hotel

The Boardwalk Hotel

5-Star Hotel

7.9 from Venue

City Lodge Hotel

City Lodge Hotel

3-Star Hotel

7.6km from Venue

Courtyard Hotel

Courtyard Hotel

4-Star Hotel

7.7km from Venue

Town Lodge Hotel

Town Lodge Hotel

3-Star Hotel

7.6km from Venue

Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

5-Star Luxury

9.3km from Venue

The Marine Hotel

The Marine Hotel

4-Star Hotel

8.8km from Venue

Garden Court Hotel

Garden Court Hotel

3-Star Hotel

7km from Venue

The Beach Hotel

The Beach Hotel

4-Star Hotel

8km from Venue

The Kelway Hotel

The Kelway Hotel

4-Star Hotel

7.3km from Venue

Paxton Hotel

Paxton Hotel

4-Star Hotel

5.6km from Venue

Nova Boutique

Nova Boutique

5-Star Boutique

7.6km from Venue

The Chapman Hotel

The Chapman Hotel

3-Star Hotel

7.4km from Venue

Isango Gate Boutique

Isango Gate Boutique

5-Star Boutique

10.1km from Venue

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