The highly anticipated Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2025 is set to unfold from May 21st to 24th at the luxurious Speke Resort Munyonyo, promising a vibrant celebration of Uganda’s tourism, culture, and creativity. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in partnership with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the annual event will bring together local and international stakeholders from the tourism, investment, media, and creative sectors.
This year’s edition shines a spotlight not only on Uganda’s scenic beauty and wildlife but also on its rich cultural heritage, with the inclusion of IGC, a groundbreaking Ugandan fashion label, as the official fashion curator for the expo.
Co-founded by fashion visionary Katende Godfrey, IGC will headline POATE 2025 with a strong message of sustainability and heritage. Their curated collection of ten original outfits—rooted in the story of Lubugo (barkcloth)—traces the transformation of this ancient material from traditional attire into a powerful symbol of modern fashion.
Kicking off the expo on May 21st, IGC will lead a spectacular dance and runway performance during the official opening ceremony. Following this, from May 21st to 23rd, attendees can explore an immersive fashion exhibition that celebrates Uganda’s cultural roots through innovative design.
On the final day, May 24th, the IGC experience will extend into the Culture Corner, where a captivating runway show will unveil their “Evolution of Lubugo” collection. This show will also feature collaborative designs from a new generation of local creators supported by the British Council, bringing a dynamic blend of tradition, storytelling, and forward-thinking design.
POATE 2025 will close in style with a Music and Cultural Festival on May 24th, featuring a star-studded lineup including Blu 3, Ssuna Ben, Winnie Nwagi, Aliddeki Brian, and comedy host Salvado, who will MC the night alongside media personalities Sheila Gashumba and Sheila Salta.
The main expo from May 21st to 23rd is free to the public, offering a fantastic opportunity to engage with Uganda’s tourism and creative industries. Tickets for the grand finale festival on May 24th are available at UGX 20,000 (ordinary) and UGX 50,000 (VIP) through www.tagticketing.com. For more details, visit www.talentafricagroup.com.
Supported by a Strong Coalition POATE 2025 is proudly backed by a diverse group of partners including the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Skills Excel, Uganda Tourism Association, Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Speke Resort Convention Center, British Council, and Bold in Africa.
As POATE continues to evolve, it reaffirms Uganda’s commitment to promoting not only its natural wonders but also the power of its creative and cultural sectors—with fashion now taking its rightful place at the tourism table.
