Trevor Noah to return to South Africa
Internationally acclaimed comedian Trevor Noah is heading back to South Africa later this month to headline a high profile business gathering in Cape Town.
Noah will take centre stage at Standard Bank’s second African Markets Conference scheduled to run from 22 to 24 February 2026.
He is expected to deliver the keynote address on Sunday 22 February before joining a fireside discussion exploring “The Power of the Creative Economy on the African Continent”.
The session will focus on how formalising and investing in Africa’s cultural and creative industries could unlock economic value create jobs and strengthen the continent’s position in global creative markets.
His return comes weeks after he hosted the Grammy Awards for a record sixth consecutive time in the United States.
During the ceremony Noah made headlines for several sharp jokes including one referencing Jeffrey Epstein which reportedly drew criticism from supporters of US President Donald Trump.
Some detractors even speculated online that he would be deported back to South Africa.
Instead Noah’s trip home is tied to business not controversy.
The African Markets Conference is expected to attract finance ministers central bank governors global asset managers development finance institutions and multilateral agencies.
Senior executives from Standard Bank including Group CEO Sim Tshabalala will lead discussions on market liquidity and capital market development.
Noah’s inclusion in the programme has sparked mixed reactions online. Supporters have applauded his global influence and his ability to spotlight African creativity on major stages.
Critics however questioned his positioning at a financial conference arguing that his comedy persona often overshadows policy substance.