The Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA 2025) officially opened on 28 August at the Thembele Conference Centre in Richards Bay, following a day of project site inspections on 27 August. The City of uMhlathuze proudly welcomed global investors, policymakers, and tourism leaders for the very first time, creating a vibrant platform to explore strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and innovative approaches to tourism development.
The first day of TIFA 2025 included guided site visits, giving delegates an early look at major investment projects central to the City of uMhlathuze’s tourism and economic transformation strategy:
- The Ridge Development: A mixed-use precinct integrating 15,000m² residential, 9,600m² hotel, and 7,700m² commercial space, aimed at fostering inclusive urban growth.
- Steel Bridge: A R130 million landmark project to serve as the gateway to the Richards Bay Waterfront, fully funded and ready for implementation.
- Richards Bay ICC Precinct: A 45-hectare site set to host a world-class conference facility alongside hotel, casino, retail, residential, and water-sport amenities.
- Waterfront Precinct Development: A 153.7-hectare greenfield project with 82 serviced properties, valued at R332 million.
- Central Industrial Area (CIA): Part of the Richards Bay Multi-Modal Precinct, offering serviced industrial sites for manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.
- Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ): A ZAR1.25 billion initiative targeting ICT, renewable energy, marine industry, agro-processing, and advanced manufacturing.
- Richards Bay Airport Relocation and Redevelopment: A ZAR1.25 billion PPP project for a modern regional airport city, now entering procurement with infrastructure and land acquisition budgets allocated.
These visits allowed investors to witness first-hand the scale and potential of projects designed to drive long-term tourism, trade, and economic growth in the region.
Premier Thami Ntuli of KwaZulu-Natal Province
The official opening on 28 August featured a warm welcome from His Worship, Mayor Cllr Xolani Ngwezi, followed by the keynote and formal opening by Premier Thami Ntuli of KwaZulu-Natal Province. Premier Ntuli emphasized the inclusive vision behind tourism investment in the region:
“By investing in tourism, you are investing in modern destinations, in inclusive growth, and in communities. You are empowering young people and securing their future. Prosperity should not be a privilege for a few, but a promise for all. This conference is more than a gathering; it is a covenant to build an economy not just for South Africa, but for Africa as a whole.”
He also highlighted the importance of safety and stability for investor confidence:
“The leadership of Lieutenant General Captain Kwanazi, together with the police, are highly committed. Communities working closely with the police is creating, in the eyes of investors, a safer and more stable province.”
A virtual message of support by Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, Regional Director for Africa, UN Tourism, reinforced TIFA’s strategic role in aligning tourism investment with broader economic transformation:
“We are focused on bolstering investments in Africa’s tourism growth, supporting entrepreneurs, startups, and youth-led businesses in transforming and modernizing the industry. UN Tourism has prioritized this by providing policy guidance and technical assistance. We have produced customized investment guidelines to showcase national value propositions and attract international capital. So far, we have launched Doing Business Guidebooks for several countries, including South Africa, whose finalized version will be presented during the G20.”
Ms. Grandcourt also commended South Africa’s presidency of the G20, marking it as a milestone for elevating Africa’s priorities globally.
Following the opening, the Forum moved into high-level panel discussions and breakout sessions:
- Session 1: Roundtable on Enabling Trade & Investment – Exploring tourism investment across Africa, featuring leaders from South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Ireland.
- Investment Hall Sessions – Covering Africa’s tourism demand, TIFA impact, heritage economy, infrastructure & real estate, and capital investment.
- SME Connect Zone – Focused on small business growth, digital transformation, and innovative pathways for sustainable SME development.
These sessions allowed stakeholders to engage directly, exchange perspectives, and identify actionable solutions for Africa’s tourism investment landscape.
Richards Bay’s strategic location as an economic hub, home to the country’s largest deep-sea port, thriving industries, and proximity to Zulu heritage sites, game reserves, and the iSimangaliso Wetlands, underscores the city’s immense investment potential. The City of uMhlathuze’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience, attracting investors and fostering opportunities for growth, despite challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic slowdowns.
As TIFA 2025 continues, the conversations are moving beyond boardrooms into real partnerships, new opportunities, and renewed confidence in Africa’s tourism future. What began with site visits and formal openings is evolving into tangible collaboration that stakeholders are eager to carry forward.
Click here to view the pictures from the ongoing forum
