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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
Boma Talks
Taking place exclusively on 18th June at the CTICC
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.
Knowledge Station
Location: Ground Floor, The Westin
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
Location: Ground Floor, The Westin
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
Location: Mezzanine Level, The Westin
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.
Tuesday 17 June
11:00 - 14:00 3 hours
Registration to FHS Africa 2025
12:00 - 14:00 2 hours
Networking Lunch
12:00 - 12:30 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Newcomers Welcome
Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
the bench
Matthew Weihs
Group Managing Director
the Bench
12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
Women Who Lead: Networking & Investment in Hospitality
Lara Dupre
Co Founder & CEO
Le Palais d’Akwa
14:00 - 14:15 15 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Welcome to FHS Africa 2025
Matthew Weihs
Group Managing Director
the Bench
14:15 - 15:00 45 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Top 10 things to know about investing in Hospitality in Africa
Moderator
Matthew Renshaw
Senior Director PDS SSA
JLL
In conversation with
Scott Antel
Founder
Scott's Fz
Linda Mothibe
Principal: Property Finance Africa
Nedbank CIB
Suhail Ashk Bhatia
Director - Asset Management
Compagnie Hoteliere Et Immobiliere Du Congo
Shaun Dubash
Senior Director Development MEA
IHG Hotels & Resorts
14:30 - 16:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Investor Council - Closed Door Session
Olivier Granet
Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management
15:00 - 15:10 10 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
FHS Africa: Signing Ceremony
15:10 - 15:50 40 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Ownership Strategies Decoded: Franchise vs. Management Agreements Explained
Moderator
Tony Romer-Lee
Managing Partner - AMEA
Valor Hospitality Partners
In conversation with
Neil George
Partner, Executive Director
Aleph Hospitality
Euan McGlashan
Global Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Valor Hospitality Partners
Scott Antel
Founder
Scott's Fz
Amith Khanna
Head of Franchise, India Middle East & Africa
IHG Hotels & Resorts
15:50 - 16:00 10 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Behind the Contracts: Case Studies of Hospitality Ownership Models
Jad Shamseddin
Chief Operating Officer
Aleph Hospitality
16:00 - 16:15 15 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Tech ROI Unlocked: What Every Hospitality Investor Should Know
Frank Wagner
General Manager
ACT
16:00 - 17:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Capital at a Crossroads: How Sustainability is Rewriting the Rules of Hotel Investment
As global financial markets undergo a profound transformation, sustainability is no longer a secondary consideration — it is rapidly becoming the primary filter through which capital is allocated. For hospitality investors, understanding how evolving sustainability expectations, climate risk disclosures, and regulatory frameworks are shaping access to finance is no longer optional — it’s essential.
In this high-impact session, Dr. Lee Swan, Head of Sustainability at Alex Forbes, and Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the Energy & Environment Alliance, will explore how capital markets, lenders, and insurers are redefining risk, opportunity, and value in the hotel and lodging sector.
From sustainability-linked finance and insurance underwriting to investor mandates and disclosure regulations (including ISSB and IFRS standards), this session will decode the fast-changing rules of engagement for hotel investment in Africa and beyond.
Whether you're raising capital, managing risk, or positioning your portfolio for the future, this session will provide the insights you need to stay competitive — and bankable — in a market where sustainability is quickly becoming the price of entry.
Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer
EEA
Lee Swan
Head of Sustainability
Alexforbes
16:15 - 17:00 45 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Unlocking the Investor's Criteria: A Workshop on What Hotel Financiers look for in a Financing Opportunity
Katlego Mphahlele
Senior Deal Maker, Tourism and Services Unit,
IDC
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 - CTICC
Registration at CTICC & Welcome Coffee
08:45 - 08:50 5 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Official Welcome
Matthew Weihs
Group Managing Director
the Bench
08:50 - 09:00 10 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Welcome Speech
Patricia De Lille
Minister of Tourism
Republic of South Africa
09:00 - 09:10 10 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Opening Remarks
Dr. Ivan Meyer
Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism
Western Cape Government
09:10 - 09:30 20 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Risk & Resilience: How Global Economic Shifts Are Shaping Africa’s Hospitality Industry
Herman Warren
Managing Partner
Hela Network
09:30 - 09:50 20 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
From Potential to Prosperity: Africa’s Tourism Growth and the Role of Public-Private Synergy
Moderator
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
The Message Architect
In conversation with
Olivier Granet
Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management
Virginia Messina
Executive Vice President
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
09:50 - 10:05 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Setting the Scene for Destination & Hotel Development in Africa
Philip Wooller
Senior Director
STR, a Costar Group Company
10:05 - 10:15 10 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Understanding Market Dynamics from an Investor’s Perspective
Wayne Godwin
CEO
JLL Africa
10:15 - 10:35 20 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Hospitality in Africa: A High-Risk, High-Reward Investment?
Moderator
Wayne Godwin
CEO
JLL Africa
In conversation with
David Damiba
Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management
Folaseto Akin-Olugbade
Investment Manager
Actis
10:35 - 10:45 10 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Breaking News Announcement
10:45 - 11:00 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
A Life in Hospitality: Spotlight on the FHS Africa Lifetime Achievement Award Honouree
Presentation of the FHS Africa Leadership Award
Moderator
Pelumi Nubi
Founder
Nubi Network
In conversation with
William Heinecke
Founder & Chairman
Minor International Public Co. Ltd. (Corp)
11:00 - 11:15 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Luxury Hospitality as a Catalyst for Urban Renewal
Moderator
Jeremy Maggs
Journalist, Radio Host and Television Presenter
In conversation with
Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Investment
11:15 - 11:35 20 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
From City Skylines to Safari Sanctuaries: Why Global Operators Are Entering the Lodge Market
Moderator
Tom Fels
Founder & CEO
Animarem
In conversation with
Jugal Khushalani
Senior Director Development - Sub-Saharan Africa
Marriott International
Paul Gardiner
Chief Executive Officer
Terra Nova Create
11:30 - 11:55 25 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Fireside Chat: Rethinking Conservation for a Sustainable Future
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Mark Read
Chairman
Everard Read Gallery
Dr Morné du Plessis
Chief Executive Officer
WWF South Africa
11:55 - 12:00 5 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Thank You Address from FHS Africa Charity Partner 2025
James Fernie
Founder
Uthando (Love) South Africa
12:00 - 12:15 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
How to Align Tourism Strategies Across Key African Markets for Sustainable Growth
Moderator
Wayne Godwin
CEO
JLL Africa
In conversation with
Guy Hutchinson
President Middle East & Africa
Hilton
12:15 - 12:30 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Pipeline Watch: Investment Hotspots & the Future of Hospitality Expansion in Africa
Trevor Ward
Managing Director
W Hospitality Group
12:30 - 12:50 20 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Closing the Gap: Boosting Conversion from Hotel Signings to Openings in Africa
Moderator
Oussama El Kadiri
Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services
Knight Frank MENA
In conversation with
Erwan Garnier
Senior Director Development: Africa
Radisson Hotel Group
Khalil Manji
Partner
Compagnie Hoteliere Et Immobiliere Du Congo
12:50 - 13:20 30 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Africa's Hospitality Boom: Is the Sector Growing Fast Enough to Meet Rising Demand?
Moderator
Ninon Lamothe
Africa Director (Consulting)
Voltere by Egis
In conversation with
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
13:20 - 13:40 20 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
Shaping Africa’s Hospitality Future: Strategic Investment and Development in Growth Markets
Moderator
ANDREW McLACHLAN
Founder & Managing Director
DEVELOP HOTELS INC
In conversation with
Graham Wood
Chief Operating Officer
Sun International
Karim Cheltout
Senior Vice President - Lodging Development, Middle East & Africa
Marriott International
13:30 - 13:45 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
FHS Africa Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award
Moderator
Matthew Weihs
Group Managing Director
the Bench
In conversation with
David Green
Chief Executive Officer
V&A Waterfront
13:40 - 13:55 15 minutes
Boma Talks - CTICC
FHS Africa Excellence Award
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
Hala Matar Choufany
President- Middle East, Africa and South Asia
HVS
14:00 - 15:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Networking Lunch at the Westin Hotel
15:00 - 15:10 10 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Welcome to Net Positive Solution Labs Remarks and Starting Data Capture
15:10 - 15:30 20 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Existential Business Case for Net Positive Hospitality
Caty Batten
Net Positive Innovation Lead
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
15:30 - 16:00 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Investment Hotspots: How African Governments Are Attracting Investors
Moderator
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
The Message Architect
In conversation with
Wrenelle Stander
Chief Executive Officer
Wesgro
Enver Duminy
Chief Executive Officer
Cape Town Tourism
15:30 - 16:10 40 minutes
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
The Capital Stack: Navigating Capital Structures and Investor Roles in Project Financing
Moderator
Nicole Maske
Director
Manta Ventures
In conversation with
Jameel Verjee
Founder & CEO
CityBlue Hotels (A member of The Diar Group)
Ewan Cameron
Director, Africa
Westmont Hospitality Group
Thys Steynberg
Executive Property Finance Africa
Nedbank Limited
15:30 - 15:45 15 minutes
Showcase Den - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Tourism Trends: North Africa
Oussama El Kadiri
Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory Services
Knight Frank MENA
15:30 - 16:15 45 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Nature Positive Hospitality - Experiential by Design
Dr Morné du Plessis
Chief Executive Officer
WWF South Africa
Glynn O'Leary
Chief Executive
Transfrontier Parks Destinations (TFPD)
16:00 - 16:20 20 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
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
16:05 - 16:30 25 minutes
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
Flavours of the Future: Redefining African Cuisine in Hospitality
Moderator
Nick Hamman
Director
Walk Communications
In conversation with
Anwar Abdullatief
Chef & Owner
The Happy Uncles
Vusi Ndlovu
Chef & Co-Owner
Edge Restaurant
16:10 - 16:30 20 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
From Flight Paths to Forecasts: Leveraging Data to Drive Hospitality ROI
Alex Stancu
Head, South & East Africa
IATA
16:15 - 16:45 30 minutes
Showcase Den - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
KwaZulu-Natal: Unlocking Investment Opportunities
Ntombenhle Dlamini
Destination Marketing Manager
Trade and Investment KZN
16:15 - 18:00 1 hour 45 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Net Positive Hospitality Challenge
16:20 - 17:00 40 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Legacy in Motion: Family Capital Powering Africa’s Hospitality Boom
Moderator
David Harper
Director
Hotel Partners Africa
In conversation with
Nyawira Kariuki
Director of Coprorate Services
Janus Continental Group
Haddis Tilahun
Founder & Chairman
United Africa Group
Mita Vohra
Board Director
Sarova Hotels & Resorts
16:30 - 17:05 35 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Terminal Value: Rethinking Hospitality Real Estate at Airports
Moderator
Jon Howell
CEO & Owner
AviaDev
In conversation with
Nicholas Ferguson
Executive Director
Cape Winelands Airport Ltd
Alex Stancu
Head, South & East Africa
IATA
16:45 - 17:30 45 minutes
Showcase Den - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Unlocking the Investment Potential of the Western Cape: Reducing Red Tape
Rashid Toefy
Deputy Director-General
Western Cape Government Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Leon Meyer
General Manager
Cape Grace a Fairmont managed Hotel
18:00 - 21:00 3 hours
Gala Reception hosted by Western Cape Government
Join us for a gala reception at The Taj Cape Town occupying a splendid historical edifice that once housed the South African Reserve Bank. Expect an evening of fun entertainment and delicious Indian cuisine.
Thursday 19 June
00:05 - 00:35 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
What are the Key Success Factors in Integrating Hospitality, Retail, and Residential Components?
Moderator
Gillian Saunders
Director
Gillian Saunders Consulting Pty Ltd
In conversation with
Francois Lategan
Director: Strategic Consulting
JLL Africa
Allan Nenguke
Executive Manager: Development
V&A Waterfront
Loretta Aniagolu
CEO
Fit Group of Companies / Fit Hospitality and Entertainment Ltd
07:30 - 08:30 1 hour
Charity Run
09:00 - 10:00 1 hour
Morning Networking Coffee
09:30 - 09:45 15 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Welcome Back: Nature as a Hospitality Marketing Tool
Moderator
Caty Batten
Net Positive Innovation Lead
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
In conversation with
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman & CEO
The Bench
09:45 - 10:15 30 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Strategies foresight and horizon scanning: What lies ahead for Hospitality and Tourism in this rapidly changing world
10:00 - 10:30 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Hospitality for the next Billion: Lifestyle & Midscale as Engines of Growth
Moderator
Mark Dunford
Chief Executive Officer Africa
Knight Frank
In conversation with
Markus Lehnert
SVP, International Hotel Development
Marriott International
Sam Diab
Managing Director Development, North & East Africa
Hilton
Bruno Trenchard
Head of Feasibility MEAT
Accor
10:00 - 10:40 40 minutes
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
Smart Moves: How Technology is Reshaping Africa’s Hospitality Sector
Moderator
Frank Wagner
General Manager
ACT
In conversation with
Julie Cheetham
Chief Operating Officer
Travalyst
Lara Dendy Young
CEO & Co Founder
Conservio
10:15 - 11:00 45 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
A Net Positive vision for the future of Hospitality - and how to achieve it
10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Ubuntu in Action: Hospitality with Soul
Moderator
Mmatšatši Ramawela
Managing Director
Africa Tourism Connect
In conversation with
Amos Weseka
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Great Lakes Safaris and Uganda Lodges Ltd
Tim Ducommun
Development Manager Luxury Brands,MEAT
Accor
Duprette Harri-Calaca
Managing Director
Sanbonani Resort Hotel and Spa
10:40 - 11:15 35 minutes
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
Conservation as Big Business: The Private Sector's Impact on Africa’s Wildlife and Communities
Moderator
Joe Pietersen
Founder
Nkombe Rhino
In conversation with
Brooke Friswold
Conservation Biologist
Bring The Elephant Home
Glynn O'Leary
Chief Executive
Transfrontier Parks Destinations (TFPD)
Matthew Child
Founder & CEO
ReWild Capital
11:00 - 11:15 15 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Trend Report: Wellness Tourism
Christy Tawii
Research and Insights Manager: Travel and Tourism (Middle East and Africa)
Euromonitor
11:00 - 11:45 45 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Standard Setting for Net Positive Hospitality: Adapting Global Standards to the Local Context
Moderator
Caty Batten
Net Positive Innovation Lead
World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
In conversation with
Lopang Rapodile
ESG manager
Kasada Capital Management
Laurinda Marsh
LEED® Green Associate & Key Account Manager - Global Projects Africa
Hansgrohe
11:15 - 11:35 20 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
A Conversation with Ethiopia’s Wellness Pioneer: Bridging Tradition and Innovation
Tadiwos Getachew Belete
CEO & Owner
Boston Partners PLC-Kuriftu Resorts
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
The Message Architect
11:15 - 12:45 1 hour 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
Is Africa Overestimating Its Hospitality Workforce Readiness? A Deep Dive into the Skills Gap
Moderator
Luckson Zambuko
Founder
African Youth In Tourism and Hospitality Association
In conversation with
Magdaline Osei Baffour
Investment Director
Westmont Hospitality
Lara Dupre
Co Founder & CEO
Le Palais d’Akwa
11:35 - 12:05 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Destination-Led Growth: Mapping Leisure & Lifestyle Demand Across Africa’s Regions
Moderator
Kevin Teeroovengadum
Board Director/Advisor
KTAfrica
In conversation with
Wesam Okasha
MD & Head of Global Development
TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts
Ritvika Sethi
Senior Manager Development & Feasibility Lifestyle MEAIT, Global All Inclusive & Rixos
Ennismore
Tony Payne
Chief Executive Officer
Technogym South Africa
11:45 - 12:30 45 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
How to lead your destination to Net Positive: essential ways of thinking, being and doing for 2030 and beyond
12:00 - 13:00 1 hour
Pioneer Camp - Ground Floor, The Westin
Beyond Automation: How AI is Redefining Hospitality
Johan Steyn
Founder
AI for Business
12:30 - 12:55 25 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Net Positive Solution Labs: Member showcase
12:35 - 12:45 10 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Unveiling Market Trends: Insights into Branded Residences in Africa
Riyan Itani
Director & Founder
Global Branded Residences
12:45 - 13:15 30 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
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
Titus Kipsang
Senior Director
Symbion Consulting Group
12:55 - 13:00 5 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs - Mezzanine Level, The Westin
Net Positive Solution Labs: Taskforce 2030 and Closing Remarks
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Networking Lunch
13:10 - 13:15 5 minutes
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Closing Remarks
Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
the bench
14:00 - 16:00 2 hours
Offsite Visits
14:00 - 16:00 2 hours
Knowledge Station - Ground Floor, The Westin
Investing in Our People (Student Session)
Lara Dupre
Co Founder & CEO
Le Palais d’Akwa
Julie Cheetham
Chief Operating Officer
Travalyst
Craig Seaman
Chief Executive Officer
Index Hotels
Nils Heckscher
Managing Director | Head of Africa
PKF Hospitality
Mmatšatši Ramawela
Managing Director
Africa Tourism Connect
Ritvika Sethi
Senior Manager Development & Feasibility Lifestyle MEAIT, Global All Inclusive & Rixos
Ennismore