JAGD & HUND 2026: High-ranking delegation from Botswana to visit Dortmund

Further guests from African countries underline the international importance of the trade fair.

Joint press release by Messe Dortmund, the State Hunting Association of North Rhine-Westphalia (LJV NRW), the German Hunting Association (DJV) and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) Germany

Dortmund, 15 January 2026 – This year, the JAGD & HUND trade fair will welcome high-ranking international visitors: Botswana’s Minister of Tourism and Environment, Wynter Boipuso Mmolotsi, has announced that he will travel to Dortmund accompanied by a delegation from his country. The Minister will also be joined by Botswana’s Ambassador to Germany, John-Thomas Dipowe. In addition to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia have also confirmed their participation with official delegations.

Messe Dortmund, the State Hunting Association of North Rhine-Westphalia (LJV NRW), the German Hunting Association (DJV) and the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) Germany welcome the commitment shown by the southern African countries. In previous years, important representatives of the Botswana government, among others, were already present in Dortmund and were available for discussions with politicians and the press.

Botswana clearly promotes the sustainable use of its natural resources. In addition to photographic tourism, the country also relies on hunting and fishing, with foreign guests playing an important role in protecting habitats and securing jobs and food security. In 2024, Botswana’s government attracted international attention in a dispute over potential restrictions on wildlife imports by offering to send 20,000 elephants to Germany. The new government also continues to regard hunting as a tool of Botswana’s wildlife management and sees it as an important part of the national “wildlife economy”.

Ambassador John-Thomas Dipowe said ahead of the trade fair: “We want to make our participation a valuable experience by showcasing Botswana’s unspoiled beauty and our flora and fauna. And we are grateful for the opportunity to take part in this important event.”

High-level delegations from Zimbabwe and Namibia have also announced their visits. Among others, representatives of Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment as well as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Germany, Alice Mashingaidze, are planning to travel to Dortmund. Both groups will include government representatives as well as representatives of local NGOs.

Throughout the entire duration of the trade fair, there will be a joint information stand run by the participating southern African governments and NGOs, which visitors can find in Hall 7.

Minister’s participation in several events
Minister Wynter Poipuso Mmolotsi is expected to speak at the official opening of the trade fair on Tuesday (27 January) at 10:00 hrs in Hall 4. He will also take part in an event organised by Messe Dortmund and the German CIC delegation focusing on the importance of hunting in Southern Africa. This event will take place on Wednesday (28 January) at 18:15 hrs on the stage in Hall 4.

Note for journalists:
Minister Wynter Poipuso Mmolotsi will of course be available for press interviews. He is also expected to attend the JAGD & HUND press conference, which will take place on Monday (26 January) at 11:30 hrs in the “London” conference room at the North Entrance. An invitation will follow.
If you are interested in an interview and/or in attending the press conference or the Wednesday evening event, please contact our press team by email at presse@jagdundhund.de. We will also be happy to assist with coordinating interviews with other guests.

Regular updates on JAGD & HUND can be found on the show’s Instagram and Facebook channels, and also on the website and via the newsletter.