Why West Africa Is the Next Big Destination for MICE Travel

Across the cities of West Africa, boardrooms and conferences are expanding, and travelers are blending business with discovery. From modern Accra to the cultural elegance of Dakar, the region is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destinations on the continent. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), business travel in Africa generated nearly US$40 billion in 2023, with West Africa accounting for a significant share of that growth. Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal are leading this transformation, investing in infrastructure, technology, and hospitality to welcome the global business community.

conference room MICE

Accra, with its new Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3, five-star hotels like Kempinski and Marriott, and growing convention capacity, has emerged as a preferred hub for international conferences and trade fairs. Lagos, Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, hosts regional summits, fashion expos, and fintech conventions that draw delegates from around the world. Dakar, Senegal, with its world-class Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre (CICAD), blends business efficiency with Francophone flair. In short: West Africa is not just open for business; it’s built for it.

What makes West Africa unique is its ability to transform a work trip into an unforgettable journey. Delegates don’t just fly in for meetings; they stay to explore. Imagine closing a deal in Accra in the morning and flying across the Gulf of Guinea by evening. Or wrapping up a trade forum in Dakar before attending the Saint Louis Jazz Festival. Or treating your top-performing team to a retreat at Ghana’s newest luxury hideaway; the AnoMansa Beach Resort. According to UN Tourism (2024), over 62% of business travelers now extend their trips for leisure, a trend known as “bleisure.” West Africa is capitalizing on that, offering rich cultural experiences, eco-adventures, and world-class hospitality.

conference center

West Africa’s cities are connecting faster than ever. New airline routes now link Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, and Dakar with major global hubs such as London, Dubai, and New York. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, is also driving intra-African mobility; bringing more business events to the sub-region.

Moreover, hospitality investments are booming. Data from Statista (2025) projects that Travel & Tourism in West Africa will generate over US$4.96 billion in revenue by 2025, growing at an impressive CAGR of 9.27% to reach US$7.72 billion by 2030. This growth underscores confidence in the region’s ability to host world-class events and experiences

West Africa stands at the crossroads of commerce and culture; a region where progress meets tradition, and where every meeting has meaning. With its growing infrastructure, creative energy, and signature hospitality, it’s no wonder international companies are now looking to Accra, Dakar, and Abidjan for their next big event.

Partner with Landtours Ghana  and let us turn your next business trip into an inspiring journey.
Contact us today at www.landtours.com to plan your corporate retreat, incentive tour, or international conference in West Africa.