AfrikaBurn Supplier Process 2026
At AfrikaBurn, relying on suppliers is generally discouraged, as it conflicts with the principles of Radical Self Reliance, Decommodification, and Communal Effort. However, some large-scale creative projects may require limited supplier assistance. The Supplier Policy exists to support registered creative projects by enabling controlled supplier access.
To register or clarify details, email suppliers@afrikaburn.com
If you are transporting all your own materials, you do not need to register as a supplier.
- Only registered Creative Projects may use suppliers.
- Suppliers must be registered and listed on the official AfrikaBurn website.
- The Creative Crew is responsible for offloading and setup.
- Suppliers operate from the Suppliers’ Depot only.
- All deliveries require pre-submitted inventory and single-entry permits.
Tankwa Town is a Decommodified space, and all who come through the gate are encouraged to participate in both the work and the play. Our Supplier Programme has been designed to facilitate Creative Projects to work with external suppliers onsite in a way that aligns as far as possible with AfrikaBurn’s 11 Guiding Principles.
What does the AfrikaBurn Supplier policy say?
Only registered creative projects (theme camps, artworks, or mutant vehicles) may use suppliers.
Suppliers must be officially registered and appear on the AfrikaBurn Suppliers List.
Each project receives a unique Supplier Code, which may not be shared.
All suppliers operate only from the Supplier Depot.
Deliveries require prior approval and pre-submitted inventory.
Participants must accompany suppliers during setup or drop-off.
Deliveries allowed until Sunday before gate opens.
Tenting setup ends Sunday (sunset) before event; suppliers leave by Monday midday.
Late or unregistered deliveries will be denied entry.
What's New for 2026?
Tenting Deadlines
- Setup ends Sunday before event.
- All tenting suppliers must exit by Monday midday.
- Support crew may remain for maintenance.
Generator Guidelines
- Delivered by registered suppliers only.
- No servicing during event week. Urgent repairs must be logged with Supplier Depot.
Fuel and Gas Rules
- Fuel cannot be delivered.
- Camps may store up to 50L fuel; larger quantities go to Fuel Depot.
- Gas deliveries are allowed; quantities over 19kg must be stored in Fuel Depot.
Container Guidelines
- Must arrive by Friday pre-event, before 7pm.
- Movement allowed after Wednesday post-event.
- Camp members must be present for placement and removal.
How do you know if you are a supplier or if you need to register your supplier?
- If you are a company providing items or services to participants in Tankwa Town, then you are a supplier and must register via AfrikaBurn’s Supplier Programme.
- If you are part of a Creative Crew and are hiring anything from or engaging any services rendered on-site in Tankwa Town, we request that you ask your supplier to register via AfrikaBurn’s Supplier Programme. This includes any transportation and sound companies.
Suppliers & Plug & Play Scenarios
Outsourcing the minimal effort required by having paid staff to set up a camp completely sidesteps fundamental aspects of a Burn event, diluting the ethos and point of the experience. As an ethical supplier, please help support the culture of AfrikaBurn – don’t engage in ‘Plug & Play’ scenarios. At AfrikaBurn, there’s no ‘someone else’ that builds Tankwa Town: every person is expected to build, clean and then break down their camp.
Participants providing Plug & Play camping may forfeit their right to return to Tankwa Town again. Suppliers supporting or servicing Plug & Play camps will face hefty penalties, including the forfeit of their deposit and/or access to the event in the future.
If in doubt, whether you are a participant or a supplier, please chat with us at AfrikaBurn and we will guide you in the right direction.
What can be delivered
- Stretch tents (delivery + setup)
- Geodesic domes (delivery + setup)
- Sound & lighting equipment
- Generators (delivery only)
- Building materials (pre-event only)
- Containers (pre-event only)
- Mutant Vehicles (to Welcome Road area)
- Gas (under 19kg in camp; over stored in Fuel Depot)
What can't be delivered or setup
- Décor
- Camp consumables
- RVs
- Toilets
- Showers
- Camping equipment
- Fuel (except gas)
Delivery and Setup Rules
- All deliveries must be checked at the Supplier Depot.
- Supplier crew must sign in and leave driver’s licenses at the depot.
- A single-entry drop-off permit is required for all deliveries.
- Inventory must match the pre-approved list.
- Unregistered suppliers will be refused entry or must buy a full event ticket.
- Tents without visible crew will be collapsed.
- All tents must display their Project Registration Code.
What are the steps to be taken by a company wishing to become an official AfrikaBurn supplier?
- Register as a Supplier by emailing suppliers@afrikaburn.com
Deadline: Friday, 28 March 2026. - Sign the Supplier Agreement and pay your deposit. Only then will your name appear on the official suppliers list.
- Submit your delivery inventory (Google Sheet provided by Supplier Team). AfrikaBurn will validate project codes.
- Submit names, IDs, and tickets for crew who require site access.
- Host/attend a compulsory Supplier Briefing. Individual meetings are arranged.
- Pay the registration fee (determined after approval) before arrival.
- Comply with the Supplier Agreement. Adherence ensures deposit refund.
Supplier Registration
OFFICIAL 2026 Suppliers list
Please note this sheet gets populated as suppliers sign up and enter the supplier process.
The official AfrikaBurn supplier list is in place to ensure that Burners can check that their supplier has followed the correct procedures to gain access to the event site. If a supplier’s name does not appear on the official AfrikaBurn suppliers list there is a good chance they will not be able to access the event site, and Burners may find themselves without the equipment/infrastructure they ordered.
All Suppliers who register with AfrikaBurn (sign the contract and pay the fees associated with providing a service at AfrikaBurn) will appear on the official AfrikaBurn suppliers list. Each Supplier will be graded by their interaction with AfrikaBurn before, during and after the event. The grading categories are as follows:
- In good standing
- Able and willing to adapt
- Diligent first-timer
- Absolute beginners
What happens when a supplier arrives onsite?
All AfrikaBurn admin and documentation needs to have been signed and paid before arrival onsite. Incomplete or unpaid Admin will result in delays at the Gate.
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