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17-19 June 2025
The Westin Cape Town, South Africa
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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.
FHS Africa 2025 Agenda
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.
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)