2025 Agenda

For FHS Africa, our objective is to enhance networking opportunities by introducing innovative and engaging formats that foster meaningful connections among delegates. The program is carefully designed to encourage greater interaction between attendees and speakers, ensuring valuable discussions and insights in different rooms at the Westin.

Additionally, the most critical topics will be presented in a traditional conference format on Day 2 (18/02) at Boma Talks, held at the CCITC, providing a dedicated platform for in-depth discussions and thought leadership.

Knowledge Station

A dedicated space for learning and inspiration, the Knowledge Station offers engaging workshops, in-depth case studies, and expert presentations. Designed to address key focus topics from the conference, this hub provides valuable insights and practical knowledge for attendees seeking deeper understanding and expertise.

Showcase Den

A dynamic platform for exploring investment opportunities, the Showcase Den highlights key destinations, country spotlights, and new project pitches. Designed to connect delegates with potential investments, this space offers valuable insights into emerging markets and groundbreaking developments in the industry.

Pioneer Camp

A collaborative space designed for in-depth discussions, the Pioneer Camp caters to the demand for smaller, longer conversations between delegates and experts. Through interactive roundtables, this hub fosters meaningful dialogue, tackles critical challenges, and develops practical solutions for the industry's future.

Boma Talks:

The term “boma“ originates from Swahili, meaning an enclosure or fortification, and has evolved to signify a communal gathering place. Serving as the conference's main stage, Boma Talks will host all keynote presentations and pivotal panel discussions, providing a central platform for sharing insights and fostering dialogue among attendees.

Agenda at a glance

Tuesday 17 June

11:00 - 14:00 3 hours

Registration Open & Networking Lunch

14:00 - 14:10 10 minutes
Knowledge Station

Welcome to FHS Africa 2025

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

14:10 - 14:30 20 minutes
Knowledge Station

Newcomers Welcome

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

Roy Bannister

Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
the bench

14:30 - 16:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Women Who Lead:
Networking & Investment in Hospitality

Lara Dupre

Co Founder & CEO
Le Palais d’Akwa

14:30 - 16:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den

Investor Council - Closed Door Session

Olivier Granet

Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management

14:30 - 15:10 40 minutes
Knowledge Station

Top 10 things to know about investing in Hospitality in Africa

Moderator

Matthew Renshaw

Senior Director PDS SSA
JLL

In conversation with

Scott Carlyle Antel

Founder
Scott's Fz

Charbel Boutros

VP Development
IHG

Linda Mothibe

Principal: Property Finance Africa
Nedbank CIB

15:10 - 15:15 5 minutes
Knowledge Station

FHS Africa Signing Ceremony

15:15 - 16:00 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

Ownership Strategies Decoded:
Franchise vs. Management Agreements Explained

Tony Romer-Lee

Managing Partner - AMEA
Valor Hospitality Partners

Neil George

Partner, Executive Director
Aleph Hospitality

Euan McGlashan

Global Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Valor Hospitality Partners

16:00 - 17:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den

Standardising Sustainability Metrics for Investment Success

As climate risks surge, real estate values and hotel cash flows face mounting threats. Financial markets—insurers, lenders, investors—need accurate, audit- grade data and reliable benchmarks to drive necessary pricing shifts and speed up sustainability efforts. This expert panel session is the Africa-leg of a series of international consultations in Europe, the USA and the South America offering a rare opportunity for Africa focused investors to shape global sustainability metrics for the hospitality industry, bridging the gap between green practices and investor demands.

This session will be a ‘live’ industry consultation workshop run by Ufi Ibrahim, Founder & CEO, Energy & Environment Alliance and will focus on focus on sustainability disclosures under IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures

Ufi Ibrahim

Chief Executive Officer
EEA

16:00 - 16:20 20 minutes
Knowledge Station

Behind the Contracts:
Case Studies of Hospitality Ownership Models

Neil George

Partner, Executive Director
Aleph Hospitality

16:20 - 16:35 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

Tech ROI Unlocked:
What Every Hospitality Investor Should Know

Frank Wagner

Director International Sales - Hospitality Group
ACT

16:35 - 17:00 25 minutes
Knowledge Station

Legacy in Motion:
Family Capital Powering Africa’s Hospitality Boom

Moderator

Mark Dunford

Chief Executive Officer Africa
Knight Frank

In conversation with

Nyawira Kariuki

Director of Coprorate Services
Janus Continental Group

Hasnain Noorani

Founder & Managing Director
PrideInn Hotels, Resorts and Camps

Haddis Tilahun

Founder & Chairman
United Africa Group

Mita Vohra

Board Director
Sarova Hotels & Resorts

17:00 - 18:00 1 hour

Speed Networking

18:00 - 21:00 3 hours

Welcome Reception at Bo-Kaap Community and Hyatt Regency

Join us for a unique Cape Malay experience in the vibrant and historic neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap. Known for its brightly colored houses, cobbled streets you will experience some traditional Cape Malay cuisine with guided tours around the area. Following this guests are invited to continue networking at the Hyatt Regency Cape Town.

Wednesday 18 June

08:00 - 09:00 1 hour
Boma Talks

Registration at CTICC & Welcome Coffee

09:00 - 09:10 10 minutes
Boma Talks

Opening Ceremony

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

Thami Nkadimeng

The Message Architect
The Message Architect

09:10 - 09:30 20 minutes
Boma Talks

Risk & Resilience:
How Global Economic Shifts Are Shaping Africa’s Hospitality Industry

Herman Warren

Managing Partner
Hela Network

09:30 - 09:45 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Setting the Scene for Destination & Hotel Development in Africa

Philip Wooller

Senior Director
STR

09:45 - 09:55 10 minutes
Boma Talks

Understanding Market Dynamics from an Investor’s Perspective

Wayne Godwin

CEO, JLL Africa
JLL

09:55 - 10:25 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Hospitality in Africa:
A High-Risk, High-Reward Investment?

Moderator

Wayne Godwin

CEO, JLL Africa
JLL

In conversation with

David Damiba

Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management

Folaseto Akin-Olugbade

Investment Manager
Actis

Rahul Chaudhary

Managing Director
CG Corp Global

10:25 - 10:40 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Navigators of Change:
Insights of a CEO’s Journey

Presentation of the FHS Africa Leadership Award

Moderator

Pelumi Nubi

Co-Founder
Oremi Travels

In conversation with

William Heinecke

Founder & Chairman
Minor International Public Co. Ltd. (Corp)

10:40 - 11:00 20 minutes
Boma Talks

From City Skylines to Safari Sanctuaries:
Why Global Operators Are Entering the Lodge Market

Jugal Khushalani

Senior Director Development - Sub-Saharan Africa
Marriott International

Tom Fels

Founder & CEO
Animarem

Paul Gardiner

Chief Executive Officer
Terra Nova Create

11:00 - 11:20 20 minutes
Boma Talks

Fireside Chat:
Rethinking Conservation for a Sustainable Future

Moderator

Jonathan Worsley

Chairman & CEO
The Bench

In conversation with

Mark Read

Chairman
Everard Read Gallery

Dr Morné du Plessis

Chief Executive Officer
WWF South Africa

11:20 - 11:30 10 minutes
Boma Talks

Thank You Address from FHS Africa Charity Partner 2025

James Fernie

Founder
Uthando (Love) South Africa

11:30 - 11:45 15 minutes
Boma Talks

How to Align Tourism Strategies Across Key African Markets for Sustainable Growth

Moderator

Wayne Godwin

CEO, JLL Africa
JLL

In conversation with

Guy Hutchinson

President Middle East & Africa
Hilton

11:45 - 12:00 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Pipeline Watch:
Investment Hotspots & the Future of Hospitality Expansion in Africa

Trevor Ward

Managing Director
W Hospitality Group

12:00 - 12:20 20 minutes
Boma Talks

Closing the Gap:
Boosting Conversion from Hotel Signings to Openings in Africa

Moderators

Erwan Garnier

Senior Director Development: Africa
Radisson Hotel Group

Khalil Manji

Partner
Compagnie Hoteliere Et Immobiliere Du Congo

In conversation with

Oussama El Kadiri

Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services
Knight Frank MENA

12:20 - 12:35 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Tourism at a Crossroads:
A Global Vision for Uniting Africa’s Key Markets

Haitham Mattar

Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa
IHG Hotels & Resorts

Thami Nkadimeng

The Message Architect
The Message Architect

12:35 - 13:05 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Africa's Hospitality Boom:
Is the Sector Growing Fast Enough to Meet Rising Demand?

ANDREW McLACHLAN

Founder & Managing Director
DEVELOP HOTELS INC

Bani Haddad

Founder and Managing Director
Aleph Hospitality

Esteban Lozada

Managing Director Development, North & West Africa
Hilton

Wytze Van Den Berg

Vice President EMEA
BWH Hotels

Artur Gerber

Chief Executive Officer
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts

13:05 - 13:30 25 minutes
Boma Talks

Future-Proofing Hospitality:
Investment, Operations & ESG in Africa’s Growth Markets

Moderator

Mark Dunford

Chief Executive Officer Africa
Knight Frank

In conversation with

Graham Wood

Chief Operating Officer
Sun International

Karim Cheltout

Senior Vice President - Lodging Development, Middle East & Africa
Marriott International

Glenn Mandziuk

Chief Executive Officer
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

13:30 - 13:45 15 minutes
Boma Talks

FHS Africa Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award



Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

David Green

Chief Executive Officer
V&A Waterfront

13:45 - 14:00 15 minutes
Boma Talks

FHS Africa Excellence Award

Moderator

Hala Matar Choufany

President- Middle East, Africa and South Asia
HVS

In conversation with

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

14:00 - 15:30 1 hour 30 minutes

Networking Lunch at the Westin Hotel

15:30 - 16:10 40 minutes
Pioneer Camp

The Capital Stack:
Navigating Capital Structures and Investor Roles in Project Financing

Moderators

Daniel Trappler

Senior Director Development: Southern & Eastern Africa
Radisson Hotel Group

Jameel Verjee

Founder & CEO
CityBlue Hotels (A member of The Diar Group)

Thys Steynberg

Executive Property Finance Africa
Nedbank Limited

In conversation with

Ewan Cameron

Director, Africa
Westmont Hospitality Group

15:30 - 17:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den

Country Spotlight:
Unveiling Potential through Projects

15:30 - 16:00 30 minutes
Knowledge Station

Investment Hotspots:
How African Governments Are Attracting Investors

Thami Nkadimeng

The Message Architect
The Message Architect

Wrenelle Stander

Chief Executive Officer
Wesgro

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

Chief Executive Officer
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa

Enver Duminy

Chief Executive Officer
Cape Town Tourism

15:30 - 17:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs

Net Positive Solution Labs powered by World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Glenn Mandziuk

Chief Executive Officer
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Caty Batten

Net Positive Innovation Lead
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

16:00 - 16:20 20 minutes
Knowledge Station

Tourism Transformed:
Where Travel Meets Real Estate Investment in South Africa

Moderator

Kojo Bentum-Williams

Senior Expert, Communications in Africa
UN Tourism

In conversation with

Marcel von Aulock

Chief Executive Officer
Southern Sun

16:10 - 16:30 20 minutes
Pioneer Camp

From Strategy to Stake:
How Institutional Investors Are Driving Sustainable Hospitality Growth in Africa

16:20 - 16:35 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

Luxury Hospitality as a Catalyst for Urban Renewal

Hamza Farooqui

Chief Executive Officer
Millat Investment

16:30 - 17:30 1 hour
Pioneer Camp

Securing Funding for Hospitality Ventures:
Mastering the Art of the Pitch

16:35 - 16:50 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

From Flight Paths to Forecasts:
Leveraging Data to Drive Hospitality ROI

Alex Stancu

Head, South & East Africa
IATA

16:50 - 17:30 40 minutes
Knowledge Station

Terminal Value:
Rethinking Hospitality Real Estate at Airports

Moderator

Jon Howell

CEO & Owner
AviaDev

In conversation with

Wrenelle Stander

Chief Executive Officer
Wesgro

Nicholas Ferguson

Executive Director
Cape Winelands Airport Ltd

Alex Stancu

Head, South & East Africa
IATA

18:00 - 21:00 3 hours

Gala Reception hosted by Western Cape Government

Thursday 19 June

07:30 - 08:30 1 hour

Charity Run

09:00 - 10:00 1 hour

Morning Networking Coffee

09:45 - 10:30 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

Ubuntu in Action:
Hospitality with Soul

Moderators

Tim Ducommun

Development Manager Luxury Brands,MEAT
Accor

Mmatšatši Ramawela

Managing Director
Africa Tourism Connect

In conversation with

Amos Weseka

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Safaris and Uganda Lodges Ltd

10:00 - 13:00 3 hours
Net Positive Solution Labs

Net Positive Solution Labs powered by World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

Caty Batten

Net Positive Innovation Lead
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

10:00 - 10:30 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Conservation as Big Business:
The Private Sector's Impact on Africa’s Wildlife and Communities

Brooke Friswold

Conservation Biologist
Bring The Elephant Home

Joe Pietersen

Founder
Nkombe Rhino

Glynn O'Leary

Chief Executive
Transfrontier Parks Destinations (TFPD)

Matthew Child

Founder & CEO
ReWild Capital

10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

The Cost of being Green:
Adapting Global Standards to Local Contexts

Laurinda Marsh

LEED® Green Associate & Key Account Manager - Global Projects Africa
Hansgrohe

10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Knowledge Station

Hospitality for the next Billion:
Lifestyle & Midscale as Engines of Growth

Moderators

Nicole Maske

Director
Manta Ventures

Bruno Trenchard

Head of Feasibility MEAT
Accor

In conversation with

Markus Lehnert

SVP, International Hotel Development
Marriott International, Inc.

Sam Diab

Managing Director Development, North & East Africa
Hilton

11:00 - 11:15 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

Trend Report:
Wellness Tourism

Christy Tawii

Research and Insights Manager: Travel and Tourism (Middle East and Africa)
Euromonitor

11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Is Africa Overestimating Its Hospitality Workforce Readiness? A Deep Dive into the Skills Gap

Moderator

Lara Dupre

Co Founder & CEO
Le Palais d’Akwa

In conversation with

Luckson Zambuko

Founder
African Youth In Tourism and Hospitality Association

Magdaline Osei Baffour

Investment Director
Westmont Hospitality

11:15 - 11:30 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

A Conversation with Ethiopia’s Wellness Pioneer:
Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Anne Biging

CEO
Healing Hotels of the World GmbH

Tadiwos Getachew Belete

CEO & Owner
Boston Partners PLC-Kuriftu Resorts

11:30 - 12:00 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Smart Moves:
How Technology is Reshaping Africa’s Hospitality Sector

Moderator

Frank Wagner

Director International Sales - Hospitality Group
ACT

In conversation with

Julie Cheetham

COO
Travalyst

Lara Dendy Young

CEO & Co Founder
Conservio

11:30 - 11:45 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

The Business of Well-Being:
Developing Resorts for the Wellness Economy

Kevin Teeroovengadum

Board Director/Advisor
KTAfrica

Wesam Okasha

MD & Head of Global Development
TUI Hotels & Resorts

11:45 - 12:15 30 minutes
Knowledge Station

What are the Key Success Factors in Integrating Hospitality, Retail, and Residential Components?

Moderator

Allan Nenguke

Executive Manager: Development
V&A Waterfront Holding (Pty) Ltd

In conversation with

Gillian Saunders

Director
Gillian Saunders Consulting Pty Ltd

Francois Lategan

Director: Strategic Consulting
JLL Africa

12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Pioneer Camp

Workshop:
Beyond Automation: How AI is Redefining Hospitality

Johan Steyn

Founder
AI for Business

12:15 - 12:30 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

Unveiling Market Trends:
Insights into Branded Residences in Africa

Riyan Itani

Director & Founder
Global Branded Residences

12:30 - 13:00 30 minutes
Knowledge Station

Branded Residences vs. Shared Ownership:
Navigating the Future of Hospitality Real Estate

Moderator

Samantha Muna

Director Business Development
Trianum Hospitality

In conversation with

Oussama El Kadiri

Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services
Knight Frank MENA

Kevin Teeroovengadum

Board Director/Advisor
KTAfrica

13:00 - 14:00 1 hour

Networking Lunch

14:00 - 16:00 2 hours

Offsite Visits

14:00 - 16:00 2 hours
Knowledge Station

Investing in Our People (Student Session)