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Company trip to South Africa 2026 Smart Innovation Tour: Technology, Innovation and Business Opportunities in Johannesburg and Cape Town
November 21 to 29, 2026
Thuringian companies have the opportunity with the Smart Innovation Tour 2026 the opportunity to get to know South Africa specifically as a dynamic innovation and technology location. The business trip leads to Johannesburg and Cape Town and is aimed at companies that want to build international partnerships, explore new markets, and tap into future industries in Africa.
The focus is on personal Contacte, insights into leading technology companies and research institutions, as well as exchange with relevant players from business, science and institutions. Thematic priorities include SpaceTech, HealthTech, GreenTech, AgriTech, BioTech, MedTech, HighTech, precision technologies and the startup scene.
Preparation event on September 17, 2026
On September 17, a Preparation event for the business trip will take place with our foreign representative for southern Africa, Anja Tambusso-Ferraz, at the COMCENTER Brühl. Guests who are not traveling along but are interested in the topics of precision technology and SpaceTech in South Africa are of course also warmly invited to attend.
What awaits you on the business trip?
The trip offers Thuringian companies compact access to two of Africa's most exciting economic and innovation regions. In Johannesburg, Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Cape Town, you will visit selected companies, technology centers and institutions. Scheduled are expert appointments, briefings, networking formats and delegation visits related to space technology, sensor technology, medical technology, industrial manufacturing, optics, mining and security technologies, as well as digital applications.
The planned stops include, among others, the South African National Space Agency, HENSOLDT South Africa, Southern Implants, Schauenburg Systems, ZEISS South Africa, the BMW IT Hub South Africa, Dragonfly Aerospace, CubeSpace, NewSpace Systems, AAT Composites and Spaceteq.
The trip is organized by the Thuringian State Development Corporation mbH / Thuringia International. The local program is prepared and accompanied with the support of the AHK Southern Africa prepared and accompanied.
Route & Stations The following stops are on the agenda.
Networking & Market Insights
The professional program is supplemented by briefings, joint evening events and networking formats with South African representatives from SpaceTech, HighTech, Innovation and Precision Engineering.
Your benefit – Why this trip is particularly relevant for Thuringian companies
The business trip supports Thuringian companies in better assessing South Africa as a future market and building concrete international Contacte. They gain direct insights into current projects, technological developments, and cooperation potential in one of Africa's most important innovation spaces.
Companies that can particularly benefit are those that:
Target group – Who is the trip aimed at? The Smart Innovation Tour 2026 is aimed at Thuringian companies interested in South Africa as a business, technology and innovation location.
The business trip to South Africa is particularly relevant for companies from the following sectors
The trip is suitable for companies that want to explore the South African market, establish new business contacts, find cooperation partners, or strategically expand their internationalization strategy.
Travel dates & travel costs
The estimated travel costs vary depending on flight booking and travel class. As an example, total costs of around 2,540 Euro mentioned; for economy flights with Lufthansa around 3,410 Euro. Flight and hotel prices are guidelines and depend on the time of booking.
Registration deadline is 4 September 2026
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Business Trip to South Africa 2026
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When does the Thuringian business trip to South Africa take place?
The Smart Innovation Tour 2026 takes place from November 21 to 29, 2026. Stops include Johannesburg, Pretoria, Stellenbosch, Somerset West and Cape Town.
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What topics are in focus?
The focus of the trip is on technology and innovation fields such as SpaceTech, HealthTech, GreenTech, AgriTech, BioTech, MedTech, HighTech, sensor technology, optics, industrial applications, digitalization, and the startup scene.
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Who can participate?
The trip is aimed at Thuringian companies that want to explore business opportunities, cooperations and market entry possibilities in South Africa or expand their international networks.
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What costs are incurred?
The framework program is supported by Thüringen International. Participants pay an organizational fee of 400 euros as well as their individual travel and accommodation costs. As an example, total costs from around 2,540 euros are mentioned.
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When is the registration deadline?
Binding registration is planned until September 4, 2026.
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