Namibia strengthened its presence on the global hunting stage this year as the international convention season brought together key industry stakeholders, with the Namibia Professional Hunting Association (NAPHA) participating in a series of high-profile events.
NAPHA said such platforms remain critical for engaging directly with international clients, meeting industry partners and reinforcing Namibia’s standing within the global hunting and conservation landscape.
The season began with Jagd & Hund in Dortmund, Germany, held from 27 January to 1 February. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s largest hunting and fishing exhibitions, the event attracted a broad audience from Germany and neighbouring countries, with exhibitors ranging from outfitters and equipment suppliers to educational institutions and tourism bodies.
For 2026, NAPHA was joined by the Namibia Tourism Board, presenting a unified national presence. The association said the collaboration played an important role in promoting Namibia as both a responsible hunting destination and a broader tourism offering.
Thousands of visitors, industry representatives and policymakers attended the event. NAPHA was represented by vice-president Harm Woortman and executive committee members Sigurd Hess and Alexander Rogl, who promoted Namibia’s professional hunting model, conservation approach and regulatory framework.
A highlight of the Dortmund exhibition was the Africa Evening, hosted for the third consecutive year. The 2026 session, titled “Game Meat Worldwide: Conservation from the Frying Pan”, was introduced by Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi.
A panel discussion followed, with Namibian representation by Woortman and Rogl. Discussions focused on the role of game meat in conservation systems, rural economies and food value chains, while emphasising the contribution of regulated hunting to wildlife conservation and protein supply in Southern Africa.
Other topics included Namibia’s conservation record, community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), regional elephant populations and human-wildlife conflict.
Beyond the public programme, NAPHA representatives held meetings with delegates from the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE), including Dr David Scallan and Andre Gresser, focusing on responsible hunting standards, advocacy and international regulatory developments. Engagements with the German Bowhunters Association also opened opportunities for future cooperation.
State-side
Attention then shifted to the United States for the Dallas Safari Club Convention, held from 6 to 8 February in Atlanta. The event remains a key platform for ethical hunting advocacy, connecting international outfitters with conservation-focused hunters and organisations.
NAPHA participated as part of the Operators and Professional Hunting Associations of Africa (OPHAA) stand, alongside the Namibia Tourism Board and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
Sharing space with other Southern African associations reinforced a unified regional presence and highlighted common standards amid growing global scrutiny of hunting practices. The convention also provided an opportunity to maintain relationships with established stakeholders, engage new partners and showcase Namibia’s conservation-driven hunting model.
NAPHA said it also supported local members by ensuring that Namibian outfitters and hunting professionals maintained a strong and accessible presence at the event. Participation enabled the association to gather market feedback, track emerging trends and address concerns within the sector.
Later in the month, the Safari Club International Convention took place in Nashville from 18 to 21 February. The event brought together international outfitters, manufacturers, conservation organisations and industry professionals, alongside seminars, auctions and networking opportunities.
NAPHA president Hannes du Plessis represented Namibia at the convention, where 23 NAPHA members exhibited alongside participants from more than 100 countries.
According to NAPHA, the convention remained an important meeting point for US-based hunters planning international travel, with Namibia continuing to rank among preferred destinations.
The exhibition showcased a wide range of destinations, equipment and expertise, while discussions reinforced the importance of sustainable use and ethical hunting practices. Namibia’s presence was well received, particularly among clients seeking a professional, fair-chase experience.
Back to Europe
The final event in the series was Hohe Jagd & Fischerei in Salzburg, Austria, held from 19 to 22 February. Catering to the Central European market, the show combines hunting, fishing and outdoor pursuits.
Organisers reported around 48 000 visitors, up from 44 000 in 2025, alongside approximately 500 exhibitors, reflecting sustained international interest in hunting and conservation tourism.
NAPHA reported strong engagement at the Namibian stand, with consistent visitor interest and productive discussions with international stakeholders. The event provided a further platform to position Namibia as a leading hunting destination grounded in sustainable practices and professional standards.
The association said continued participation in international exhibitions underscores Namibia’s commitment to ethical, regulated hunting and ongoing conservation dialogue.
It added that such platforms strengthen partnerships, promote regional collaboration and reinforce Namibia’s position as a benchmark for sustainable use within the global hunting industry.
