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2024 Agenda
Our Speakers are chosen for their industry knowledge, experience, and the insight they offer.
If you would like to be considered to be part of the speaking faculty for 2024, please contact Tanja Millner
Tuesday 25 June
Registration and Networking Lunch
Newcomers Welcome
Matthew Weihs
Commercial Director
the Bench
Discussion Group
TOPIC 1: Domestic Demand Generator – how can big brands become more attractive for the local market?
TOPIC 2: Management Agreements and Franchise Models as Viable Strategies in Emerging Markets?
TOPIC 3: What is the best use for AI in training talent in Africa?
TOPIC 4: Morocco World Cup 2030- how can this be impactful?
TOPIC 5: Procurement Maze: Navigating Sourcing Challenges and Strategies for Optimal Supply Acquisition
TOPIC 6: Assessing Africa's Infrastructure Readiness: Can it Lead the Future of Hospitality?
Coffee Break
Workshop - Namibia Unveiled: Cinematic Landscapes and Creative Arts
Workshop - Elevating Hospitality: Addressing Global Skills Deficiency in Tourism
Discovering the balance between investment in infrastructure and investment in human capital, while examining the role of AI - a solution or a setback for the industry's retention issues?
Workshop - What are the lessons learned from Mature Markets in Destination Development?
Workshop - Building Tomorrow: Analysing Development Costs Across Market Segments in the Hospitality Industry
Workshop - Overcoming Challenges: From Materialization Hurdles to Rising Costs and Strategic Solutions for a Sustainable Design Philosophy in the African Context
Sundowners and Speed Networking
Welcome Reception at Movenpick Hotel Windhoek
Hosted by Kasada Capital Management
Wednesday 26 June
Registration and Refreshments
Welcome Remarks
Moderator
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
Thami Nkadimeng Group
In conversation with
Matthew Weihs
Commercial Director
the Bench
Official Welcome
Africa in the New Global Geopolitical Order: The Impact on the Hospitality Industry
As the world undergoes significant geopolitical shifts, Africa's role and influence are becoming increasingly pronounced.
Lullu Krugel
Partner, Strategy& and Chief Economist
PwC South Africa
Setting the Scene for Destination & Hotel Development in Africa
Philip Wooller
Area Director- Middle East and Africa
STR
Government Initiatives to support the Hospitality Industry
The role of Government in developing sustainable tourism across the continent in emphasizing the potential for collaborative efforts among various countries to promote similar initiatives.
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor
CBS News
Coffee Break
Investing with Insight: Strategies for Implementing Optimal Capital Structures in High-Interest Rate Environments
How to capitalize on emerging opportunities on the continent while devising strategic exit plans simultaneously.
Moderator
Wayne Godwin
Co-CEO
JLL, Africa
In conversation with
Olivier Granet
Managing Partner & CEO
Kasada Capital Management
Fahad Kazim
Chief Executive Officer
Millennium Hotels & Resorts & Lakhraim Group
What’s whetting Investors’ Appetite for Resorts?
Heddo Siebs
Chief Executive Officer - Hotel & Hospitality Portfolio
Albwardy Investment
Karim Cheltout
Regional Vice President, Lodging Development Africa & All-Inclusive EMEA
Marriott
Round the Campfire: A Fireside Chat
Maud Bailly
Chief Executive Officer
Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor
CBS News
Assessing the Significance and Economic Viability of International Brands in African Destinations
Bani Haddad
Founder & Managing Director
Aleph Hospitality
In conversation with
Rahul Chaudhry
Managing Director & CEO
CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality Holdings
Haddis Tilahun
Founder & Chairman
United Africa Group
Lunch
Capitalizing Growth: Spotlight on Active Development Financial Institutions
What do active DFIs and commercial banks require to commit and at what cost?
Mark Dunford
Chief Executive Officer
Knight Frank
John Steytler
Chief Executive Officer
Development Bank of Namibia
In the Pipeline
Trevor Ward
Managing Director
W Hospitality Group
Crafting Success: A Comprehensive Journey through Hotel Project Development in Africa
Decoding the process of building a hotel from its inception by focusing on the key players and a well-defined project scope.
Moderator
Turab Saleem
Partner ‑ Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory ‑ MENA
Knight Frank
In conversation with
Ramsay Rankoussi
Vice President Development Africa & Turkey
Radisson Hotel Group
Khalil Manji
Partner
CHIC
AHIF AWARDS
Coffee Break
The Urbanisation and changing Demographics in Africa and how it will shape the Future of Humanity
Aradhana Khowala
CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners
Hotelification of the Workplace: Introducing a new asset class for hospitality investors on the Continent
This session goes beyond the traditional real estate investment, introducing alternative asset classes tailored for hospitality investors.
Michael Aldridge
Founder & CEO
KOFISI
Our Greatest Asset: Nurturing the Power of People
How to foster a positive change in the hospitality industry across the African continent by advancing principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and addressing gender disparities in leadership roles.
Tonderayi Prosper Mageza
Consulting Expert
UNESCO-UNEVOC
Recap of the Day
Matthew Weihs
Commercial Director
the Bench
Evening Reception at Droombos Vineyard Country Lodge
Thursday 27 June
Charity Run
Registrations & Refreshments
Welcome Back
Matthew Weihs
Commercial Director
the Bench
Skybound Synergy: Public-Private Partnerships for Enhanced Aviation Connectivity
This session focuses on the imperative for collaboration between private stakeholders, public entities, and key airlines.
Moderator
Jon Howell
Founder and CEO
AviaDev Africa
In conversation with
Andre Compion
Managing Director
FlyNamibia
Game-Changers: Impact of Sporting Events on Hospitality Infrastructure
Moderator
Nicolas Pompigne Mognard
Founder & Chairman
APO Group
In conversation with
Robins Tchale Watchou
Chief Executive Officer
Bowency (formerly known as Vivendi Sports)
Herbert Mensah
President
Rugby Afrique
Esteban Lozada
Managing Director Development, North, West & South Africa
Hilton
Innovating Hospitality: How AI is shaping Africa's Tourism
Johan Steyn
Chief Executive Officer
Artificial Intelligence for Business
Guests' Quest for Unique Experiences: The African Approach to Authentic Leisure while conserving Heritage and local Communities
Understanding the shift in tourist preferences to meet the growing demand for distinctive and authentic experiences by travelers
Gys Joubert
Managing Director
Gondwana Collection
Amos Wekesa
Chief Executive Officer
Great Lake Safaris
Africa's Energy Future is renewable: The Hydrogen Factor
Charity Presentation
Coffee Break
Conscious Hospitality: Preserving Africa's Natural Heritage
Highlighting the social, environmental, and economic impact of sustainable hospitality by taking a closer look at tangible projects in Africa. How equipped is the continent for more sustainable guest experiences?
Chris Nader
Co-Founder & CEO
ENVI Lodges
Jutta Berns
Head of Sustainability
Karingani Game Reserve
A New Dawn: Pioneering the Rise of Lifestyle Hospitality Brands in Africa's Urban and Leisure Destinations
JS Anand
Founder & CEO
Leva Hotels
Markus Lehnert
SVP International Hotel Development & Affiliations, EMEA
Marriott
Wytze van den Berg
Vice President International Operations EMEA/ Vice President EMEA WorldHotels
BWH Hotels
Tech-Driven Futures: Practical Insights for Enhancing Customer Experiences
Envisioning the future of hospitality in Africa via technical innovation
Handover to AHIF 2025 & Farewell
Lunch