Women make up 70% of Africa’s tourism workforce – yet hold less than 40% of management roles. WTM Africa’s newly announced partnerships with Women in MICE and Women in Tourism (WIT) aim to shift this balance, creating platforms that recognise, celebrate, and elevate women into leadership positions across the continent.
12 August 2025 – Cape Town
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, WTM Africa has announced two major women-focused partnerships for 2026 that promise to reshape the landscape of African tourism. Collaborating with Women in MICE and Women in Tourism (WIT), the platform aims to empower, recognise, and elevate the women driving the industry forward across the continent.
With women representing up to 70% of Africa’s tourism workforce, yet occupying fewer than 40% of leadership roles in countries like South Africa, these strategic partnerships signal a bold step toward closing the gap.
“These new partnerships are a meaningful extension of our year-round commitment to empowering women in tourism,” says Carol Weaving, Managing Director at RX Africa. “By bringing together these powerful networks, we’re demonstrating that real change happens when we unite our efforts from the ground up.”
“Women are not only shaping the future of tourism and events across the continent, they're driving it,”
Africa’s Eden, a proud partner and supporter of WTM Africa, welcomed the announcement as a long-overdue shift.
“As a trailblazer in Africa’s tourism landscape, and as someone privileged to lead an all-women team, I know first-hand how important representation, mentorship and visibility are,” said Jillian Blackbeard, CEO of Africa’s Eden. “We are proud to support platforms like WTM Africa that are championing women-led transformation. These new partnerships reflect not only where the industry is going — but where it needs to go. We’re excited to continue the momentum into 2026 and beyond.”
Under the guidance of inspirational leaders like Carol Weaving, who recently earned multiple accolades for her role in growing flagship events like WTM Africa and Decorex, RX Africa is proving that gender equity isn’t just a trend — it’s the future of sustainable, inclusive tourism.
By aligning with Women in MICE and Women in Tourism, WTM Africa is laying the groundwork for an industry where more women don’t just participate — they lead.
