Johannesburg will host the prestigious Pan African Federation of Otolaryngological Societies (PAFOS) Congress 2028. The successful bid was led by Professor Christian Quitter of the University of Pretoria, in partnership with professional conference organiser EO Africa and with support from the Johannesburg Convention Bureau (JCB).
The bid was submitted on 17 July 2026 and officially awarded on 5 October 2026 when the PAFOS Board formally named Johannesburg, South Africa, as the host destination for the 2028 congress.
PAFOS is the leading continental professional body representing ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) surgery across Africa. The biennial congress serves as the premier scientific platform for advancing specialist education, research, innovation and collaboration in ENT and hearing healthcare on the continent.
Expected to attract approximately 600 delegates, including around 300 international and regional delegates, the congress is projected to generate an estimated R15 million economic impact for Johannesburg and South Africa's business events sector.
The successful bid further reinforces Johannesburg's reputation as one of Africa's premier destinations for international association meetings and scientific congresses, supported by world-class convention infrastructure, robust air connectivity and a proven record of hosting major global events.
Rendani Khorombi, Executive Head: Tourism Strategic Services at the Johannesburg Tourism Company, said:
"The award of the Pan African Federation of Otolaryngological Societies Congress 2028 is significant for Johannesburg's business events portfolio. It strengthens the city’s reputation as a leading knowledge and innovation hub on the continent. This reaffirms medical tourism as one of the core niche markets in the Johannesburg Tourism strategy.
“Beyond its direct economic contribution, the congress will facilitate valuable scientific exchange and strengthen healthcare collaboration across Africa. Its legacy will include specialist skills development, stronger research partnerships and improved healthcare outcomes. We congratulate Prof Quitter and EO Africa for being instrumental and strategic partners in securing this prestigious medical tourism business event."
The congress will provide an important platform for clinicians, researchers, educators, allied health professionals, policymakers and industry partners to exchange knowledge, showcase emerging medical technologies and address healthcare challenges affecting populations across Africa. Key outcomes are expected to include strengthened specialist training, greater research collaboration, enhanced healthcare capacity and increased access to quality ENT and hearing healthcare services.
The partnership with EO Africa and the Johannesburg Convention Bureau is built on a strong track record of successful collaboration. The relationship was further strengthened through EO Africa's participation in the Johannesburg Convention Bureau exhibition stand at Meetings Africa in February 2026.
Hosting the congress aligns with Johannesburg's commitment to leveraging business events as catalysts for economic growth, knowledge exchange, skills development and continental collaboration. The event is expected to contribute to South Africa's growing reputation as a leading destination for medical science, research and international association meetings while supporting sustainable healthcare development across Africa.