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Book your passExhibit

Attracting key buyers from the region

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The Hosted Buyers Programme is designed to connect qualified purchasing decision-makers from across Africa with leading exhibitors in the food ingredients, processing, and packaging sectors. The programme features one-to-one meetings in a dedicated lounge, streamlining sourcing processes and facilitating high-value business connections.

All qualified buyers receive complimentary flights and accommodation through a strict vetting process ensuring only those with genuine purchasing authority participate. Exhibitors can recommend buyers, and the program aims to drive immediate business agreements between African buyers and international suppliers.

Hosted buyer programme meeting

Benefits

Why participate?

The program offers pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors matched to your sourcing needs, VIP access to the show, and complimentary travel and accommodation. With all logistics handled, you can focus on negotiations and closing deals while connecting with the right suppliers to accelerate your sourcing strategy.

<p>Paid flights and transport</p>

Paid flights and transport

<p>Complimentary hotel stay</p>

Complimentary hotel stay

<p>Tailored meetings</p>

Tailored meetings

<p>VIP access &amp; networking</p>

VIP access & networking

<p>Business efficiency</p>

Business efficiency

<p>Strategic advantage</p>

Strategic advantage

Who qualifies?

  • 01

    Purchasing authority & sourcing potential: Applicant must hold decision-making power or significant influence over purchasing in their organization, with a credible annual sourcing or importing budget and be actively seeking new products or suppliers.

  • 02

    Availability: Applicant must be able to attend Fi Africa 2026 and participate in pre-scheduled meetings.

  • 03

    Engagement commitment: Applicant must be willing to actively engage with exhibitors and participate in the programme’s activities.

  • 04

    Eligible applicants include: Importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, manufacturers, and food service operators from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

How to apply

  1. Register Your Interest: Complete the online application form.
  2. Application Review: Eligible applicants will receive an email requesting additional details.
  3. Selection Process: Approved buyers will be contacted to discuss business needs and meeting preferences.
  4. Visa Invitation Letter: Once selected, an official invitation letter will be provided to support your visa application.
  5. Travel & Accommodation Booking: After visa approval, flight tickets and hotel accommodation will be arranged.
  6. Meeting Arrangements: Requirements will be matched with suitable exhibitors, and pre-arranged meetings will be scheduled.

Timeline

Key dates

Applications open in January 2026 and close in March 2026, with final registration and travel booking deadline in May 2026. The event takes place from 2-4 June 2026. We encourage you to apply early as there are limited places available.

Frequently asked questions

No fee for eligible buyers to join the Hosted Buyers Programme. Travel and hotel accommodation are complimentary for selected participants.

You are still welcome to attend FI Africa 2026 as a regular delegate/buyer, but the hosted benefits will not apply.

The hosted status is granted per-buyer. Additional colleagues may attend but will need to register normally and may not receive complimentary travel/accommodation.

Importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and food service operators with credible sourcing needs from Africa/MENA and beyond.

Selected buyers must commit to a minimum of 15 pre-scheduled meetings.

Interested in our Hosted Buyers Programme?

Apply now

Terms & Conditions

  • Selection is based on meeting the programme’s eligibility criteria.
  • Complimentary flights, hotel accommodation, and transport apply only to approved buyers and are restricted to designated routes/budget limits.
  • Buyers must register by the specified deadlines and attend the full Hosted Buyers Programme days.
  • A minimum number of 15 pre-scheduled meetings must be completed to maintain hosted status. Failure to complete the minimum number of meetings may void the hosted benefits.
  • Any additional expenses beyond the programme benefits must be covered by the buyer.
  • Flight modifications or cancellations are the responsibility of the hosted buyer.
  • The organisers reserve the right to reject applications or modify programme details without prior notice.