Pretoria, South Africa – The Border Management Conference and Expo 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 18 November 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria. The conference will bring together border authorities, government representatives, industry leaders, researchers and specialists to discuss the future of border management in South Africa and the region.
Presented by the Border Management Authority (BMA), Armscor, Unipro and the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD), the conference will focus on regional cooperation, lawful movement and trade, digital border systems and coordinated responses to cross-border crime, alongside infrastructure, equipment and operational priorities.
The conference comes at a time of growing cross-border movement. According to the BMA, about 4.9 million travellers passed through South Africa’s 71 ports of entry – 52 land ports, 10 international airports and nine seaports – during the 2025/2026 festive period alone. Managing this volume of people and goods, while preventing illegal crossings and other cross-border crime, requires close cooperation between border authorities, government, industry and neighbouring countries.
Cross-border crime remains a key concern. According to the BMA, more than 530 000 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally have been intercepted since July 2022. The BMA has also highlighted the growing role of technology in its operations, including the use of drone surveillance to intercept a cigarette-smuggling operation at the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
The programme includes addresses from Minister of Home Affairs Dr Leon Schreiber and BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato, followed by panel discussions with leaders from government, the freight sector, technology and research. René-Peter Masoen will serve as Programme Director.
The panel discussions will focus on three practical questions:
- Keeping trade corridors moving without lowering security – how to reduce delays for travellers and freight while maintaining effective border controls.
- Connecting digital border systems while protecting data – how border agencies can share information through integrated digital systems, while keeping that information secure.
- Moving from detection to coordinated action against cross-border crime – how agencies can work together so that detecting a threat leads to effective action.
Delegates will also hear from industry, including Armscor, AMD, Unipro and HENSOLDT South Africa, on local capability and frontline readiness. An exhibition will run alongside the conference, giving delegates the opportunity to see border management equipment, systems and solutions.
Speakers have been asked to share practical, evidence-based insights, case studies and lessons that delegates can apply in their own organisations. The conference is aimed at border and immigration authorities, customs and law enforcement officials, freight and logistics operators, technology providers, researchers and civil society, with a focus on collaboration between border authorities, government, industry and regional partners.
Event details
- Date: Wednesday, 18 November 2026
- Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
- Registration: 08h30
- Programme: 09h00 to 15h30
- Exhibition: throughout the day
- Networking cocktail event: until 17h00
