Days

Networking

Plenary Session

Inspire Room

Invest Room

Impact Room

AviaDev Real Estate

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2023 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 2023, please contact Tanja Millner

Monday 12 June

07:30 - 08:30

Networking

Registration and Welcome Refreshments

08:30 - 09:30

Networking

Speed Networking

09:30 - 09:40

Plenary Session

Welcome Remarks

Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

Rajan Datar

BBC World News, Host of BBC Travel Show &

09:40 - 10:15

Plenary Session

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

Pat Thaker

Editorial and Regional Director MEA, The Economist Intelligence Unit

10:15 - 10:45

Plenary Session

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

10:45 - 11:15

Plenary Session

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)

11:15 - 11:45

Networking

Networking Coffee Break

11:45 - 12:05

Plenary Session

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

12:05 - 12:40

Plenary Session

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

12:40 - 12:55

Plenary Session

Insight on Africa: What are the numbers telling us?

Thomas Emanuel

Senior Director, STR

12:55 - 13:10

Plenary Session

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

Moderator
Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

In conversation with

13:10 - 14:15

Networking

Networking Lunch

14:15 - 14:45

Plenary Session

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)

14:45 - 14:50

Plenary Session

Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change

Laurinda Marsh

Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE

14:50 - 15:30

Plenary Session

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

15:30 - 16:00

Plenary Session

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

16:00 - 16:30

Networking

Networking Coffee Break

16:30 - 17:30

Invest Room

Unlocking the Investor's Criteria: A Workshop on What Hotel Financiers Look for in a Financing Opportunity

Bernard Micallef

Snr Industry Specialist, IFC

16:30 - 17:15

Inspire Room

Leveraging Local and Regional Sourcing: How to Take Advantage of Trade Tariffs, Improve Sustainability, Reduce Development Costs and Meet Brand Standards

Moderator
Abraham Muthogo Kamau

Vice President - Africa, ToggleMarket

In conversation with

Farhan Charaniya

Managing Director , GHSP FZCO

Laurinda Marsh

Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE

Stephane Sebah

Vice President Development GTAF & East Africa, Louvre Hotels

Roelof van der Westhuizen

Chief Executive Officer, Equate Africa

16:30 - 17:15

Impact Room

Exploring Developing Markets: Opportunities and Challenges in the Hospitality Industry

Moderator
Naiara Lopez Giner

Associate Manager - Tourism Advisory Lead, Colliers

In conversation with

Erwan Garnier

Sr Director Development, Radisson Hotel Group

Kim Irmler

Development Director Sub-Saharan Africa, Accor

Johary Rajosefa

General Coordinator of Projects, Ministry of Tourism Madagascar

17:15 - 18:00

Inspire Room

Passing the Torch: Navigating Family Business Succession in the African Hotel Industry

Speaker
Wanja Michuki

Family Business Coach, Consultant, Advisor , Be Bold Consulting & Advisory Ltd

18:00 - 21:00

Networking

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

Tuesday 13 June

07:00 - 08:00

Networking

Sporting activity - Charity Run at Arboretum

08:00 - 09:00

Networking

Morning Refreshments

08:55 - 09:00

Plenary Session

Welcome Back

Matthew Weihs

Managing Director, the Bench

Rajan Datar

BBC World News, Host of BBC Travel Show &

09:00 - 09:30

Inspire Room

Inspiring Change: The Rise of Transformational Travel

Moderator
Anne Biging

CEO & Founder, Healing Hotels of the World

In conversation with

Rajan Datar

BBC World News, Host of BBC Travel Show &

Vimbai Masiyiwa

Chief Executive Officer, Batoka Hospitality Group

09:00 - 09:20

Invest Room

Mastering Tourism Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Success in a Competitive Market

Hamza Farooqui

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

09:20 - 10:00

Invest Room

Cutting Costs in the Hospitality Industry: An Open Discussion on Strategies for Reducing Operating Expenses

Moderator
Fuad Sajd

Founder & CEO , ToggleMarket

In conversation with

Wytze Van den Berg

Vice President EMEA, BWH Hotel Group®

Paul Bridger

Chief Operating Officer, Rove Hotels

09:30 - 10:00

Impact Room

Spotlight on Rwanda: Unveiling Potential through Projects

Moderator
Peter Greenberg

Travel Editor, CBS News

In conversation with

Michaella Rugwizangoga

Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board

09:30 - 10:00

Inspire Room

Think Green, Think Innovation!

10:00 - 10:30

Networking

Networking Coffee Break

10:30 - 11:00

Plenary Session

Future Outlook: Upcoming Projects in the Hospitality Market in Africa

Daniel Silke

Director, Political Futures Consultancy

Trevor Ward

Managing Director, W Hospitality Group

11:00 - 11:40

Plenary Session

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

11:40 - 11:45

Plenary Session

Project Showcase 1

11:45 - 12:20

Plenary Session

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

12:20 - 12:25

Plenary Session

Project Showcase 2

12:25 - 13:00

Plenary Session

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

13:00 - 14:00

Networking

Networking Lunch

14:00 - 14:15

Plenary Session

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

14:15 - 14:45

Plenary Session

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

14:45 - 15:15

Plenary Session

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

15:15 - 15:30

Networking

Networking Coffee Break

15:30 - 16:10

Plenary Session

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

16:10 - 16:50

Plenary Session

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

16:50 - 17:00

Plenary Session

Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change

Moderator
Laurinda Marsh

Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE

In conversation with

17:00 - 17:15

Plenary Session

Closing Remarks

17:30 - 21:00

Networking

Networking Reception at WOJO – Mercure Nairobi Upper Hill

Wednesday 14 June

05:30 - 12:00

Networking

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 

Aviadev
Real Estate

AviaDev Real Estate will connect the owners and operators of African airports to those with the finance, skills and contacts to develop the land and maximise its revenue potential. In turn, the airport industry will stand stronger together with the real estate industry and become more resilient to (potential) disruption, increase the appeal to new carriers, and ultimately improve air connectivity across the continent.

You should attend if you are an organisation looking to engage with African airports and support them to develop their real estate proposition, including:

  • Real Estate Advisors
  • Financial Institutions
  • Airport Architect or Designer
  • Consultants
  • Hotel Operators
  • Real Estate Developers
  • Airport Master Planners
  • Asset Managers
  • Cargo/Warehousing

Attendance for AviaDev Real Estate is included within your AHIF pass.

08:00 - 09:00

Real Estate Networking

Registration and Welcome Refreshments

09:00 - 09:15

Real Estate Plenary

Welcome Remarks

Jon Howell

CEO and Founder, AviaDev Africa

09:15 - 10:00

Real Estate Plenary

Building a Smart Airport City: The Importance of Proper Zoning and Planning in Africa

Marcel Langeslag

Director, Aviation , NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants

René Marey

Senior Airport Architect, NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants

10:00 - 11:00

Real Estate Plenary

Raising Capital for Airport projects in Africa: Understanding the Financing Landscape and Investors' Priorities

Moderator
Mark Dunford

CEO , Knight Frank Kenya

In conversation with

Hilton Carty

Managing Director, Aperture Properties

Patrick Chonde

Ag. General Manager, Finance , Kenya Airports Authority

Javed Malik

Chair of the Advisory Board, Ink Innovation

Lasse Ristolainen

Principal | Development, Kasada Capital Management

11:00 - 11:15

Project Showcase: Kenya

11:15 - 11:30

Real Estate Plenary

Project Showcase: Guinea

Namory Camara

Managing Director, SOGEAC

11:30 - 12:00

Real Estate Plenary

Creating a Winning Formula for Airport Hotels in Africa: Understanding the Attractions and Requirements for Success

Moderator
Trevor Ward

Principal, W Hospitality Group

In conversation with

Shamil Manek

Director, The Merwest Company

12:00 - 12:15

Real Estate Plenary

Project Showcase: Zimbabwe

Verengai Ruswa

Finance Director , Airports Company of Zimbabwe

12:15 - 12:30

Real Estate Plenary

Project Showcase: Lanseria

Rampa Rammopo

Chief Executive Officer, Lanseria International Airport

12:30 - 12:45

Real Estate Plenary

Project Showcase: Dakar

12:45 - 13:00

Real Estate Plenary

Project Showcase: Dube Tradeport (Durban)

13:00 - 13:05

Real Estate Plenary

Final Remarks

Jon Howell

CEO and Founder, AviaDev Africa

13:05 - 14:00

Real Estate Networking

Networking Lunch

14:00 - 17:00

Real Estate Meeting

Investor Meetings

17:00 - 20:00

Networking

Networking Reception at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill

Open to all attendees of AviaDev Real Estate and AviaDev