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

12:00 - 14:00

Registration and Networking Lunch

Networking
14:00 - 14:30

Newcomers Welcome

Networking

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

14:30 - 16:00

Discussion Group

Workshop

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?


16:00 - 16:30

Coffee Break

Networking
16:30 - 17:30

Workshop - Namibia Unveiled: Cinematic Landscapes and Creative Arts

Workshop

Workshop - Elevating Hospitality: Addressing Global Skills Deficiency in Tourism

Workshop

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

Workshop - Building Tomorrow: Analysing Development Costs Across Market Segments in the Hospitality Industry

Workshop

Workshop - Overcoming Challenges: From Materialization Hurdles to Rising Costs and Strategic Solutions for a Sustainable Design Philosophy in the African Context

Workshop
17:30 - 18:30

Sundowners and Speed Networking

Networking
18:30 - 21:30

Welcome Reception at Movenpick Hotel Windhoek

Networking

Hosted by Kasada Capital Management

Wednesday 26 June

08:00 - 09:00

Registration and Refreshments

Networking
09:00 - 09:10

Welcome Remarks

AHIF

Moderator

Thami Nkadimeng

The Message Architect
Thami Nkadimeng Group

In conversation with

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

09:10 - 09:30

Official Welcome

AHIF
09:30 - 10:00

Africa in the New Global Geopolitical Order: The Impact on the Hospitality Industry

AHIF

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

10:00 - 10:20

Setting the Scene for Destination & Hotel Development in Africa

AHIF

Philip Wooller

Area Director- Middle East and Africa
STR

10:20 - 10:45

Government Initiatives to support the Hospitality Industry

AHIF

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

10:45 - 11:15

Coffee Break

Networking
11:15 - 11:45

Investing with Insight: Strategies for Implementing Optimal Capital Structures in High-Interest Rate Environments

AHIF

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

11:45 - 12:15

What’s whetting Investors’ Appetite for Resorts?

AHIF

Heddo Siebs

Chief Executive Officer - Hotel & Hospitality Portfolio
Albwardy Investment

Karim Cheltout

Regional Vice President, Lodging Development Africa & All-Inclusive EMEA
Marriott

12:15 - 12:30

Round the Campfire: A Fireside Chat

AHIF

Maud Bailly

Chief Executive Officer
Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems

Peter Greenberg

Travel Editor
CBS News

12:30 - 13:00

Assessing the Significance and Economic Viability of International Brands in African Destinations

AHIF

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

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

Networking
14:00 - 14:25

Capitalizing Growth: Spotlight on Active Development Financial Institutions

AHIF

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

14:25 - 14:45

In the Pipeline

AHIF

Trevor Ward

Managing Director
W Hospitality Group

14:45 - 15:15

Crafting Success: A Comprehensive Journey through Hotel Project Development in Africa

AHIF

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

15:15 - 15:45

AHIF AWARDS

AHIF
15:45 - 16:15

Coffee Break

Networking
16:15 - 16:30

The Urbanisation and changing Demographics in Africa and how it will shape the Future of Humanity

AHIF

Aradhana Khowala

CEO & Founder
Aptamind Partners

16:30 - 17:10

Hotelification of the Workplace: Introducing a new asset class for hospitality investors on the Continent

AHIF

This session goes beyond the traditional real estate investment, introducing alternative asset classes tailored for hospitality investors.

Michael Aldridge

Founder & CEO
KOFISI

17:10 - 17:50

Our Greatest Asset: Nurturing the Power of People

AHIF

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

17:50 - 18:00

Recap of the Day

AHIF

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

18:00 - 22:00

Evening Reception at Droombos Vineyard Country Lodge

Networking

Thursday 27 June

07:00 - 08:00

Charity Run

Networking
08:00 - 09:00

Registrations & Refreshments

AHIF
09:00 - 09:05

Welcome Back

AHIF

Matthew Weihs

Commercial Director
the Bench

09:05 - 09:20

Skybound Synergy: Public-Private Partnerships for Enhanced Aviation Connectivity

AHIF

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

09:20 - 09:50

Game-Changers: Impact of Sporting Events on Hospitality Infrastructure

AHIF

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

09:50 - 10:05

Innovating Hospitality: How AI is shaping Africa's Tourism

AHIF

Johan Steyn

Chief Executive Officer
Artificial Intelligence for Business

10:05 - 10:45

Guests' Quest for Unique Experiences: The African Approach to Authentic Leisure while conserving Heritage and local Communities

AHIF

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

10:45 - 10:55

Africa's Energy Future is renewable: The Hydrogen Factor

AHIF
10:55 - 11:00

Charity Presentation

AHIF
11:00 - 11:30

Coffee Break

Networking
11:30 - 12:00

Conscious Hospitality: Preserving Africa's Natural Heritage

AHIF

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

12:00 - 12:30

A New Dawn: Pioneering the Rise of Lifestyle Hospitality Brands in Africa's Urban and Leisure Destinations

AHIF

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

12:30 - 12:45

Tech-Driven Futures: Practical Insights for Enhancing Customer Experiences

AHIF

Envisioning the future of hospitality in Africa via technical innovation

12:45 - 13:00

Handover to AHIF 2025 & Farewell

AHIF
14:00 - 15:00

Lunch

NetworkingAHIF