The City of uMhlathuze, on the north-east coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), will host the third annual Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) this year. The event aims to gather investors, policymakers and tourism leaders to explore investment opportunities across the continent.
From August 27-29 at Thembela Venue near Richards Bay, the event’s theme will focus on “tourism and infrastructure investment: driving economic transformation and enhancing community well-being.”
The Mayor of uMhlathuze, Xolani Ngwezi, emphasised the city’s commitment to leveraging TIFA 2025 as a catalyst for local economic development.
“We intend to drive economic growth while positioning our port city and region as a competitive hub for export trade and investment. Our strategic location as a gateway to the natural attractions of Zululand and Maputaland, along with our growing popularity as a cruise ship destination, makes us an ideal host for this prestigious event,” Ngwezi said.
Sibusiso Gumbi, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, reaffirmed the province’s support.
“This initiative aligns with our strategic mandate to position and promote KwaZulu-Natal as a desirable tourism and film destination. Hosting TIFA 2025 will not only facilitate access to investment but also elevate lesser-known regions and cities as key business and tourism locations,” he said.
Miller Matola, CEO of Millvest, underscored the city’s strong investment potential, particularly in tourism infrastructure and the Port of Richards Bay.
“The City of uMhlathuze and the Port of Richards Bay offer immense opportunities for inclusive economic growth and investor returns. This was a key factor in selecting the city as the host of TIFA 2025,” Matola stated.
The event will include discussions, investment showcases, site visits and networking opportunities providing insight into the region’s tourism potential.
