OurAfrica.travel Announces New Criteria for Nominations in 2026, Supporting Community and Conservation Causes

Published on February 26, 2026

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OurAfrica.travel, the only online trade show that focuses on the African tourism market, is also changing and developing by encouraging partnerships and collaborations for the greater good of the African tourism industry. Since its launch during the lockdown of 2020, OurAfrica.travel has always had the guiding philosophy of Ubuntu, which is based on the principles of giving back to the community. The trade show, which will be staging its seventh edition in March 2026, has always had giving back as one of its core tenets.

A Commitment to Giving Back: Nominations for Community and Conservation Causes

Each year, OurAfrica.travel has made it a central part of the event to encourage exhibitors to nominate causes that directly contribute to Africa’s communities and conservation efforts. These causes are given a chance to showcase their positive impacts on a global stage, as well as the opportunity to receive a cash donation. For 2026, two categories—community and conservation—will receive special attention, with the winning cause in each category receiving a R20,000 (USD 1,200) donation. To date, a total of R100,000 has been donated to several initiatives across the continent, including organizations like ForRangers, Mukambi Community School in Zambia, and How Many Elephants’ World Female Ranger Week.

This charitable focus has not only provided financial support but also highlighted the crucial role that tourism businesses can play in supporting causes beyond simple donations. From conservation training to educational initiatives like building schools, tourism businesses have been shown to make a meaningful difference in Africa’s local communities. This integrated approach exemplifies how tourism can be a powerful force for good, fostering sustainable development while benefiting local populations and wildlife.

Strengthening Partnerships: New Collaboration with Africa’s Eden

For 2026, a new and exciting partnership with Africa’s Eden has been announced, formalizing the alignment of efforts between the two organizations. Africa’s Eden is a well-established network focused on sustainable community development and wildlife conservation, with a robust infrastructure designed to support and amplify local projects across Africa.

Through this partnership, the vetting process for nominations will become more structured and transparent. Nominations will be reviewed by sustainability experts and shortlisted based on documented and measurable impact on the ground, ensuring that the causes showcased are genuine, sustainable, and effective. This collaborative approach means that the causes nominated for the 2026 edition of the trade show will be evaluated not just by the number of votes they receive but by their actual contribution to their communities and conservation efforts.

The partnership with Africa’s Eden enhances the credibility of the nominated causes, as they will be vetted through the established Community & Conservation network that Africa’s Eden has already built. This ensures that only the most impactful projects will be recognized, increasing the focus on long-term, sustainable change.

The Criteria for Nominations: Ensuring Sustainable Impact

To qualify for a nomination in the 2026 edition of OurAfrica.travel, causes must meet several criteria:

• Locally Led: The cause must be led by individuals from the community it serves, ensuring that the project is rooted in local knowledge and needs.
• Registered Nonprofit Organizations: Only legally registered nonprofit organizations (NPOs) will be considered, ensuring that the causes are legitimate and transparent in their operations.
• Annual Report: Causes must be able to provide an annual report, demonstrating their activities, outcomes, and financial transparency.
• Tourism Business Support: In addition to cash donations, nominated causes must show how tourism businesses can support them in ways beyond funding. This can include offering training in conservation or contributing to community-building efforts, such as the construction of schools or healthcare facilities.

These requirements ensure that nominated causes are not only worthy of recognition but also sustainable in the long term. By making these criteria clear, the partnership with Africa’s Eden will ensure that all nominations are grounded in real, measurable impact.

The Role of Tourism in Supporting African Communities and Conservation

Tourism plays a vital role in both supporting local communities and funding wildlife conservation efforts across Africa. Countries like South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have all seen how tourism can drive the economy, create jobs, and fund vital conservation programs that protect Africa’s incredible biodiversity.

Initiatives like the one supported by OurAfrica highlight the potential of tourism to contribute to sustainable development. Tourism businesses across the continent are encouraged to get involved by supporting local causes, either through donations or direct partnerships. These actions help build stronger communities while also contributing to the preservation of Africa’s natural heritage.

In addition to the positive economic impact, tourism in Africa provides unique opportunities for travelers to engage with local cultures and experience the beauty of the continent in ways that promote respect and understanding. Whether participating in a safari in Kenya, exploring the rich history of Morocco, or enjoying the stunning beaches of Zanzibar, tourists are not only supporting the economy but also contributing to conservation and community development initiatives.

Africa’s Eden: A Powerful Partner for Sustainable Development

Africa’s Eden is a leader in sustainable development, offering a platform that brings together individuals, organizations, and businesses committed to creating positive change across Africa. Through its vast network, Africa’s Eden supports projects focused on community development, conservation, and sustainable tourism practices. By partnering with OurAfrica.travel, Africa’s Eden is helping ensure that more causes are recognized and supported, further strengthening the connection between tourism and positive social and environmental impact.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Strengthening Africa’s Tourism and Conservation Futures

As Africa continues to emerge as one of the world’s most dynamic and exciting tourist destinations, initiatives like the OurAfrica.travel trade show offer a unique opportunity to spotlight and support causes that are integral to the continent’s future. The new partnership with Africa’s Eden ensures that the causes nominated for the 2026 event will have a greater impact, helping to shape the future of both tourism and sustainable development across Africa.