Investing in Convention Centres: Shaping the Future of Cities

• Business events are vital for Africa’s economy, supporting 25 million jobs and contributing approximately $12.7 billion to the continent’s GDP in 2023.
• Convention centres drive economic growth, generating substantial revenue and job opportunities, with the Durban ICC alone contributing R6.3 billion to GDP.
• These venues foster community engagement and cultural exchange, hosting local events while enhancing urban revitalization and attracting foreign investment.

Business events are crucial for Africa’s economic development, creating jobs and enhancing infrastructure. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism supported 25 million jobs in Africa in 2023 and contributed approximately $12.7 billion to the continent’s GDP. Convention centres play a pivotal role, fostering business transactions while also serving as vibrant spaces for social interaction and cultural exchange.

Gary Corin, Chair of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), emphasizes the need for multifunctional spaces amid rapid urbanization. “Convention centres are vital for economic vitality, social connectivity, and modern urban design,” he states. As we celebrate World Cities Day on October 31, it’s essential to recognize how these venues shape our cities and promote sustainable urban ecosystems.

Economic Growth Catalyst

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) estimates that business events contribute around $1 trillion to global GDP. Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg have effectively utilized their convention facilities to attract international conferences, generating substantial revenue. For example, the Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) contributed R6.3 billion to South Africa's GDP in the 2023/24 financial year, highlighting its significant economic impact.

Lindiwe Rakharebe, CEO of DICC, describes the centre as “a beacon of opportunity, driving economic growth and positively impacting local communities.” Similarly, Adele Hartdegen, CEO of the Johannesburg Exhibition Centre (JEC), notes that these venues are integral to local and national economies, facilitating essential business connections.

The Gallagher Convention Centre (GCC) also plays a vital role, hosting 300 to 400 events annually and attracting around 650,000 visitors each year. Leniese van der Merwe, GCC's Marketing Manager, points out that these figures underscore their importance in the local economy.

Job Creation

The business events sector is crucial for job creation. The WTTC reports that travel and tourism created nearly 1.8 million jobs in 2023 alone. New initiatives, such as MusicEx, have generated over 3,000 work hours, showcasing the sector's commitment to community development. Hartdegen mentions that projects in 2023 created over 3,000 temporary jobs, significantly benefiting the local economy. The Durban ICC estimates it created or sustained around 11,387 jobs during the 2023/24 financial year.

Rakharebe emphasizes the importance of sustainability, stating, “Our commitment ensures that as we attract the world to Durban, we uplift our residents and preserve our environment for future generations.”

Building Community and Cultural Exchange

Business events foster collaboration and innovation, with a report from the Events Industry Council indicating that 84% of attendees form new connections. Convention centres serve as platforms for cultural exchange, showcasing unique local heritage to a global audience. Many are designed to host community events and educational programs, reinforcing their role in enhancing public participation. Van der Merwe notes, “We believe in giving back; our partnerships with local charities have made a significant impact.”

Shaping Urban Spaces

Convention centres can catalyse urban revitalization, improving infrastructure and public spaces. The Cape Town International Convention Centre has significantly contributed to the city’s urban regeneration, attracting further investment. Shaun Bird from the Sandton Convention Centre highlights the need for first-class facilities to attract major events.

Moreover, the design of these centres can prioritize sustainability. Nairobi is integrating green practices into its convention centre designs to minimize environmental impact. Robust business event infrastructures also attract foreign direct investment, as seen in Rwanda's Kigali Convention Centre, which has established the country as a leader in international meetings.

A Vision for the Future

Bird asserts, “By delivering exceptional experiences, we enhance our city's vibrancy and contribute to the broader economic landscape.” As African cities evolve, prioritizing the development of convention centres will be crucial for fostering resilient and inclusive urban environments.

Investing in these spaces shapes the future of cities and communities. Corin sums it up well: “Convention centres serve as dynamic engines of economic growth, job creation, and social interaction, significantly influencing the fabric of our cities.”