Registration and Welcome Refreshments

Speed Networking

Welcome Remarks

Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

Rajan Datar

BBC World News, Host of BBC Travel Show &

Navigating Global Risks: The Impact on Africa's Hospitality Industry

Pat Thaker

Editorial and Regional Director MEA, The Economist Intelligence Unit

Collaborating for a Sustainable Future: The Role of Government Partnerships in Developing Tourism Regions

Moderator
Peter Greenberg

Travel Editor, CBS News

In conversation with

Hon. Peninah Malonza OGW

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife Kenya

Nqobizita Mangaliso Ndlovu

Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe

AHIF Creating Impact Awards

Moderator
Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

In conversation with

Mahmud Jan Mohamed

Managing Director for Tourism Promotion Services, Serena Hotels Africa, Head of the Tourism Department for Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED)

Networking Coffee Break

Global and Regional Outlook on the Broader Real Estate Sector and what this means for Hospitality Investment

Thomas Mundy

Head of Capital Markets Research, JLL

Unlocking Investment Potential in Africa: Maximizing Returns in a Growing Market

Moderator
Wayne Godwin

Head of Hotels & Hospitality Group, Africa, JLL

In conversation with

Hamza Farooqui

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Millat Investments (Pty) Ltd

Olivier Granet

Managing Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Kasada Capital Management

Funke Okubadejo

Managing Director, ACTIS

Insight on Africa: What are the numbers telling us?

Thomas Emanuel

Senior Director, STR

Fireside Chat from a global Perspective on the Future of Hospitality in Africa

Moderator
Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

In conversation with

Networking Lunch

Building a Net Zero Future: Addressing the Challenges in the Hotel Industry through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategies

Moderator
Alyshia Mangalji

Vice President Europe and Africa, Westmont Hospitality Group

In conversation with

Jameel Verjee

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

Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change

Laurinda Marsh

Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE

Unveiling the Prospects and Tackling the Hurdles of Hotel Development in Africa

Moderator
Christopher Lund

Executive Director, Head of Hotels - MENA Region, Colliers

In conversation with

Karim Cheltout

Regional Vice President, Lodging Development, Marriott International

Khalil Manji

Partner, Compagnie Hoteliere et Immobiliere Du Congo (CHIC)

Dupe Olusola

MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc

Unleashing the Power of Technology: Understanding the Significance of Tech Investment in the Hospitality Industry

Moderator
Anantha Narayanan

Chief Technical Officer, HGS Holdings

In conversation with

Willie Scholtz

Director, EQUATE Africa

Networking Coffee Break

Opening Reception at Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill Nairobi hosted by Westmont Hospitality Group

Sporting activity - Charity Run at Arboretum

Morning Refreshments

Welcome Back

Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

Rajan Datar

BBC World News, Host of BBC Travel Show &

Networking Coffee Break

Future Outlook: Upcoming Projects in the Hospitality Market in Africa

Daniel Silke

Director, Political Futures Consultancy

Trevor Ward

Managing Director, W Hospitality Group

Access to Capital: Navigating Solutions for Successful Hospitality Financing

Moderator
Mark Dunford

CEO, Knight Frank

In conversation with

David Damiba

Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer, Kasada Capital Management

Koome Gikunda

Director Real Estate , Director Real Estate, Actis

Catherine Hendry

Principal: Property Finance Africa, Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking

Srividya Jagannathan

Manager - Consumer and Social Services, International Finance Corp, World Bank Group

Project Showcase 1

Emerging Market Projects: Dos and Don'ts for Success in the Hospitality Industry

Moderator
Scott Antel

Owner/Founder, Scott's FZ

In conversation with

Bani Haddad

Founder, Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality

Rahul Chaudhary

CEO, CG Hospitality Global Holdings , Managing Director, CG Corp Global &

Hala Matar Choufany

President Middle East & Africa, HVS Dubai

Billy Cheung Yiu Tung

Chairman of the Board, Century Park Hotel and Residences Ltd

Project Showcase 2

Investing in People: Re-evaluating the Emphasis on Human Skills in the Hospitality Industry

Moderator
Rajan Datar

BBC World News, Host of BBC Travel Show &

In conversation with

Rose Bakri

Chief Operating Officer , Louvre Hotels Africa

TIm Cordon

Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

Assia Riccio

Founder, Evolvin' Women

Paul Stevens

Chief Operating Officer - MEA & Turkey, Accor

Networking Lunch

Achieving Success: Insights into Female Entrepreneurship in Africa

Moderator
Peter Greenberg

Travel Editor, CBS News

In conversation with

Vimbai Masiyiwa

Chief Executive Officer, Batoka Hospitality Group

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Hospitality

Moderator
Peter Greenberg

Travel Editor, CBS News

In conversation with

Lara Dupre

Co-founder & General Manager, Le Palais d'Akwa

Valerie Hoffenberg

Founder & President, Expert in Gender Equality & Serial Entrepreneur, She Travel Club

Clemence Lormand

Development Middle East & Africa, Fauchon Hospitality

Unlocking Africa's Tourism Potential: Driving Economic Growth through Hotels and Leisure Offerings

Moderator
Daniel Silke

Director, Political Futures Consultancy

In conversation with

Mohammed Hersi

Group Director of Operations, Pollman's Tours and Safaris Ltd

Wesam Okasha

Head of Global Development, TUI Hotels & Resorts

Networking Coffee Break

Uniquely Independent: Greater Risk, Greater Reward or Both?

Moderator
Samantha Muna

Group MD & Director of Business Development, Trianum Hospitality Limited

In conversation with

Jerry Mabena

Chief Executive Officer, , Motsamayi Tourism Group

James Stuart

Director, The Social House, Nairobi

Valery Super

CEO, Painted Wolves

Amos Wekesa

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Great Lakes Safaris

Adapting to the Evolving Market: The Rise of Alternative Accommodation

Moderator
Mmatšatši Ramawela

Director, Gecko Afrika Holdings & Chapter President , International institute for Peace through Tourism Southern Africa (IIPTSA)

In conversation with

Mohamed Awadalla

Chief Executive Officer, TIME Hotels Managment LLC

Merilee Karr

Founder and CEO, UnderTheDoormat Group

Khalil Ketari

Consultant, Kasada Capital Management

Jugal Khushalani

Director, Lodging Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change

Moderator
Laurinda Marsh

Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE

In conversation with

Closing Remarks

Networking Reception at WOJO – Mercure Nairobi Upper Hill

Nairobi National Park & The Social House (limited places)

If the chance to see lion, leopard, buffalo, black rhinoceros, giraffe, hippopotamus, spotted hyena, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, cheetah, crocodile and more in their natural habitat… all before 9.30am appeals to you, then this little expedition is for you - a safari into Nairobi National Park. Plus you’ll learn from Friends of Nairobi National Park about conservation measures and the protection of the park’s biodiversity from the growing pressure of Kenya’s expanding capital city. Then we’ll whisk you over to The Social House in Lavington where you’ll be treated to a cornucopia of eatables and drinkables with Peruvian, Mexican, Italian and Kenyan flavours. And you’ll hear about the story, the challenges and successes of a hotel that was named as runner-up to Hoxton Rome and alongside Capella Bangkok as Nat Geo’s best new urban hotel globally. Depart from Radisson Blu at 5.30am Return to Radisson Blu at 12 noon Limited places only by request