The Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025 is scheduled to take place from May 21 to 24 at the scenic Speke Resort Munyonyo, positioning Uganda once again as a central hub for travel and cultural exchange in the region.
Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), POATE remains Uganda’s flagship tourism trade fair. The event will gather local and international stakeholders—including buyers, investors, travel media, and industry leaders—to network, explore business opportunities, and showcase Uganda’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
This year’s edition will conclude with a high-energy cultural celebration on May 24, featuring a star-studded performance lineup that includes iconic girl group Blu 3, Ssuna Ben, Aliddeki Brian, and pop stars Winnie Nwagi and Salvador Idringi. The evening will be co-hosted by media personalities Sheilla Gashumba and Sheilla Salta.
Adding a new dimension to this year’s program is the inclusion of Ibrahim and Godfrey Communitya forward-thinking Ugandan fashion label co-founded by designer Katende Godfrey. Selected as POATE’s official fashion curator, Ibrahim and Godfrey Community will spotlight the intersection of sustainability, fashion, and heritage through an innovative showcase.
A centerpiece of their contribution is The Evolution of Lubugo—a contemporary reinterpretation of barkcloth expressed through ten custom-made garments. The brand will debut the collection with a live fashion and dance performance during the opening ceremony on May 21.
Following the launch, the public will be able to engage with Ibrahim and Godfrey Community’s full exhibition from May 21 to 23. Visitors can expect a visually striking installation that celebrates Uganda’s ancestral textiles through a modern lens.
The fashion experience will peak on the final day in the Culture Corner, where Ibrahim and Godfrey Community will host a dynamic blend of runway presentations, arts, and crafts. The showcase will also feature joint pieces developed in collaboration with local designers supported by the British Council, spotlighting Uganda’s creative potential on the global stage.
Ibrahim and Godfrey Community’s participation reflects a broader shift within Uganda’s tourism strategy—recognizing the role of cultural and creative industries as drivers of economic growth, community engagement, and sustainable development.
POATE 2025 is made possible through support from several partners including the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Skills Excel, Uganda Tourism Association, Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute, the British Council, and Bold in Africa.
Admission to the main expo is free between May 21 and 23. Tickets for the grand Music and Cultural Festival on May 24 are priced at UGX 20,000 (ordinary) and UGX 50,000 (VIP) and are available via www.tagticketing.com. Additional event details can be found at www.talentafricagroup.com.