Economic impact 2024 at a glance

• 50 000+ visitors
• 600+ exhibiting brands
• 689 business matchmaking meetings
• 15 international hosted buyers from 11 countries
• 44% of trade visitors holding purchasing authority
• 14% of trade visitors reporting R100-million+ annual turnover
• 24% increase in Cape Town trade attendance
• 148% increase in Johannesburg trade attendance
• total 29 000m² exhibition space
• R125 million in PR and marketing value

Over the three decades of its existence, Decorex Africa has transformed into the continent's most unique marketplace, offering both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) engagement opportunities for design and decor. The platform has become the definitive meeting point of supply and demand, positioning Africa as a global design force while actively driving the commercialisation of creative enterprises. This transformation extends beyond commerce – it's reshaping industry standards through innovation and sustainability while allowing exhibitors to simultaneously connect with trade professionals and end consumers, maximising their market reach.

This evolution has established Decorex Africa as the continent's most powerful creative-economy catalyst, with Johannesburg's showcase alone driving over R200 million in deals annually, about 75% of which are concluded by returning trade visitors. The event creates about 1 000 jobs (more than 400 permanent and 500 temporary positions) while engaging over 3 000 external suppliers.

The platform's impact in 2024 set new benchmarks across both cities. The Cape Town showcase, with its emphasis on sustainable design and innovation, generated over R60 million in media value and attracted 21446 visitors to its 10 000m² venue. The Johannesburg exhibition, anchored by the prestigious 100% Design Africa platform, drew 28 554 visitors to its 19 000m² space. Together the shows featured over 600 exhibiting brands.

Business networking

Revolutionary networking opportunities through the sophisticated Business Matchmaking programme have transformed how African design enterprises access global markets. In Johannesburg alone, 689 high-value business meetings were facilitated, while the carefully curated Hosted Buyers Programme welcomed 15 influential buyers from 11 African countries including Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Mauritius, Nigeria and Rwanda, creating significant cross-border trade opportunities.

Across both cities, nearly half of the visitors held primary purchasing authority (49% in Cape Town and 44% in Johannesburg), while a similar proportion attended specifically to source products for future projects. This translates into tangible business outcomes for exhibitors.

Measurable business growth

Increased sales volumes underscore the exhibition's direct impact on participating companies. 'We experienced a growth in brand awareness and had opportunities to build relationships with existing and new clients... We saw an immediate response in the foot traffic to our store close to Sandton, and in the subsequent weeks we experienced higher sales volumes from leads at Decorex,’ said Zane Pretorius, PR and Brand Manager at furniture and decor company Block & Chisel.

This success extends to first-time exhibitors as well. Julia Franco, owner of Nosso, a decor and lifestyle store in Sea Point, Cape Town, said, 'The exposure and connections made during the event have resulted in increased traffic to our store and a direct impact on sales from those interactions.'

The exhibition's enduring value was confirmed by veteran exhibitor Penny Calitz, a representative of Unique Kitchens, specialists in luxury kitchen design and bespoke furniture, who is preparing for the business’s sixth showcase in 2025. 'During and after Decorex we experience an increased number of engagements, be it by visitors to our showroom or requests for quotes.'

Continuous Professional Development

Professional development stands as a cornerstone of Decorex Africa's offering. The accredited Future Talks programme consistently drew full-house attendance across both cities, complemented by specialised workshops focusing on business growth and innovation masterclasses. The accreditation by the African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) and the South African Institute for Architectural Technologists (SAIAT) underscores the platform's commitment to elevating the interior design, hospitality and architectural industries.

The platform's unique position in bridging the commerce-creativity divide has earned praise from industry leaders. The 2024 showcase ‘was an exceptional display of new and innovative South African design,' said Tracy Lynch, Executive Creative Director of Clout SA, a market-maker and creative agency that has facilitated over R60 million in South African design exports. 'So many new products with a fresh perspective made me incredibly proud of our industry.'

The exhibition's media impact in 2024 reflects its growing influence. Combined coverage across both cities exceeded R125 million in value – a 49% increase on 2023 – encompassing 1 035 pieces of coverage, including features by prominent personalities such as Jo-Ann Strauss and Jeannie D. Social media engagement reached unprecedented levels, with the platform's channels engaging nearly 4 million accounts.

Looking ahead, this momentum shows no signs of slowing. As Decorex Africa prepares for its 2025 showcases in Cape Town from 5 to 8 June at the Cape Town International Convention Centre and in Johannesburg from 24 to 27 July at the Sandton Convention Centre, both cities will build on their unique strengths. Cape Town's focus on sustainability and innovation complements Johannesburg's role as a commercial powerhouse.

A highlight of the 2025 shows will be the African Pavilions, showcasing the continent's greatest makers and reinforcing Decorex Africa's position as a catalyst for pan-African creative commerce. This strategic focus on African design talent demonstrates the exhibition's commitment to expanding market opportunities across the continent, while signature features such as the Decorex Smart House exemplify the exhibition's dedication to showcasing cutting-edge smart home technology and innovative living solutions that enhance modern homes and connect professionals across multiple sectors.

For design and decor professionals looking to attend this premier industry event, trade registration for Decorex Africa 2025 is now open. Trade visitors, including architects, designers, buyers and developers, can pre-register to gain complimentary multi-day access to the show following a verification process to ensure industry credentials. This free registration provides full access to all show content, accredited workshops and valuable networking opportunities.

For those seeking an enhanced experience, the VIP Trade Upgrade is available at R390 in Cape Town and R490 in Johannesburg, offering priority access, Lexus VIP concierge service, access to a private lounge with refreshments, a curated goodie bag and a one-year membership to the Decorex Academy. With limited availability, trade professionals are encouraged to secure their registration early.

Businesses looking to elevate their brand, connect with qualified buyers, and experience sales and growth opportunities are encouraged to secure their exhibition space now for Decorex Africa 2025. For exhibiting opportunities that can transform your business trajectory as well as pre-event trade registration, visit decorex.co.za.