Waterfall City project: $45 million hotel, conference expansion in Africa

Attacq Waterfall Investment Company and Rabie Property Group have committed $45 million to expand Waterfall City with a new conference centre and hotel, strengthening Johannesburg’s role in Africa’s business tourism and meetings industry.

The project adds fresh capacity to a market that has seen rising demand for large corporate gatherings and international conventions. 

The development reflects a broader shift in how companies are planning events, with a stronger focus on integrated precincts that combine accommodation, office space and leisure facilities in one location.

Across South Africa, business districts are adapting to serve hybrid meetings and larger cross-border conferences, supported by improved transport links and digital infrastructure.

Waterfall City, in Gauteng province, has become one of the country’s most active mixed-use developments, drawing multinational firms, financial institutions and technology companies.

Its appeal has been built on secure infrastructure, modern office space and proximity to key commercial hubs in Johannesburg. 

Against this backdrop, the new investment is expected to add scale to the precinct while reinforcing its position in a competitive regional market for business events and corporate travel.

Developers say the goal is to support long-term demand rather than short-term gains.

Expanded business events hub 

“The precinct has consistently proven its ability to attract leading businesses, drive economic activity and deliver exceptional experiences — and this new Waterfall City Conference Centre and Hotel development is a natural next step in that journey,” said Jackie van Niekerk, chief executive of Attacq. 

The facility will be managed by the team behind the Century City Conference Centre and Hotels in Cape Town, bringing an established operating model into Johannesburg.

The approach is intended to ensure consistency in service while scaling operations to a larger corporate market. 

“Century City has shown what is possible when conferencing and hospitality form part of a carefully planned mixed-use precinct,” said Rabie Property Group chair Leon Cohen.

“It becomes an economic engine for the node, not just a venue.”

Capacity and completion timeline 

The development will accommodate up to 1,350 delegates in its main conference venue, with total capacity reaching about 2,000 across 16 flexible event spaces.

The integrated hotel will include 180 rooms, alongside dining areas, a gym, spa and swimming pool. 

The project is scheduled for completion by January 2028.

Developers say bookings for future events are already open, as Waterfall City positions itself for steady growth in Africa’s business events and corporate hospitality market.