Just For Laughs Festival announces expansion to continent of Africa in 2018

Just For Laughs is once again expanding abroad with a new home base in Africa.

The Montreal-based comedy brand has joined forces with a South Africa-based conglomerate to launch the new venture.

The partnership will aim to offer a continent-wide mix of local comedy development, a showcase of international stars, and opportunities for comedians to gain exposure overseas.

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The South African coastal city of Durban will also play host to the inaugural Just For Laughs Africa in 2018.

The new event joins existing Just For Laughs festivals held outside of Montreal in cities including Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney, Australia.

Just For Laughs has regularly played host to South African comedians, including The Daily Showhost Trevor Noah, who will be honoured as Comedy Person of the Year at the Just For Laughs Awards on Friday.