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June 2024
Namibia
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
Host of BBC Travel Show & , BBC World News
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 - 10:20
Plenary Session
Keynote Address
Hon. Peninah Malonza OGW
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife Kenya
10:20 - 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
Haitham Mattar
Special Advisor, UNWTO , Managing Director MEA & South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts
10:45 - 11:00
Plenary Session
AHIF Creating Impact Awards - Leadership Award
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)
11:00 - 11:15
Plenary Session
AHIF Creating Impact Awards - Outstanding Contribution to Africa
Moderator
Rajan Datar
Host of BBC Travel Show & , BBC World News
In conversation with
Jameel Verjee
Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group)
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 Strategy & Research, EMEA, JLL
13:05 - 13:20
Plenary Session
Fireside Chat - A global Perspective on the Future of Hospitality in Africa
Moderator
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman, The Bench
In conversation with
Majid Mangalji
Founder and President, Westmont Hospitality Group
13:20 - 14:15
Networking
Networking Lunch
14:15 - 15:00
Plenary Session
Unlocking Investment Potential in Africa: Maximizing Returns in a Growing Market
Moderator
Wayne Godwin
Head of East Africa, JLL |, Head of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Africa
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
Reinhard Winsauer
Senior dealmaker, Rand Merchant Bank
15:00 - 15:15
Plenary Session
Insight on Africa: What are the numbers telling us?
Thomas Emanuel
Senior Director, STR
15:15 - 15:40
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 of Europe & Africa, Westmont Hospitality Group
In conversation with
Nasra Nanda
CEO & ESG Lead, Kenya Green Building Society
Elizabeth Ndinya
Environmental Specialist, IFC
Anne Osir
Senior Relationship Manager, KCB Bank
Jameel Verjee
Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group)
15:40 - 15:45
Plenary Session
Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change
Laurinda Marsh
Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE
15:45 - 16:20
Plenary Session
Unveiling the Prospects and Tackling the Hurdles of Hotel Development in Africa
Moderator
Christopher Lund
Executive Director, Head of Hospitality & Tourism, Colliers
In conversation with
Charbel Boutros
VP Development ME & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts
Shady Hassan
Vice President | Lodging Development EMEA, Marriott International
Khalil Manji
Partner, Compagnie Hoteliere et Immobiliere Du Congo (CHIC)
Dupe Olusola
MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels Plc
16:20 - 16:25
Plenary Session
AHIF Charity 2023: FoNNaP
Jim Kinyany
Vice Chair, Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP)
16:25 - 16:50
Plenary Session
Unleashing the Power of Technology: Understanding the Significance of Tech Investment in the Hospitality Industry
Moderator
Olivier Hennion
Managing Director, IT Hospitality Group
In conversation with
Andrew Mclachlan
Founder & Managing Director, Develop Hotels Inc.
Yonas Moges
Founder and CEO, Caliber Hotel Consultancy Plc
Willie Scholtz
Director, EQUATE
16:45 - 17:30
Inspire Room
Leveraging Local and Regional Sourcing: How to Take Advantage of Trade Tariffs, Improve Sustainability, Reduce Development Costs
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
16:45 - 18:00
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
16:45 - 17:30
Impact Room
Exploring Developing Markets: Opportunities and Challenges in the Hospitality Industry
Moderator
Naiara Lopez Giner
Associate Manager - Tourism Advisory Lead MENA Region, Colliers
In conversation with
Erwan Garnier
Sr Director Development, Radisson Hotel Group
Kim Irmler
Development Director, Accor
Johary Rajosefa
General Coordinator of Projects, Ministry of Tourism Madagascar
16:50 - 17:00
Networking
Networking Coffee Break
17:30 - 18:00
Impact Room
Investors Briefing: Global Update on Hospitality Investments
Facilitated by:
Wayne Godwin
Head of East Africa, JLL |, Head of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Africa
17:30 - 18:15
Inspire Room
WORKSHOP: Passing the Torch: Navigating Family Business Succession in the African Hotel Industry
Facilitated by:
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
Charity Run at Nairobi Arboretum
08:00 - 09:00
Networking
Morning Refreshments
08:55 - 09:00
Plenary Session
Welcome Back
Matthew Weihs
Managing Director, the Bench
Rajan Datar
Host of BBC Travel Show & , BBC World News
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
Host of BBC Travel Show & , BBC World News
Vimbai Masiyiwa
Chief Executive Officer, Batoka Africa
09:00 - 10:00
Impact Room
CLOSED DOOR SESSION: Developing Hospitality Talent for the Future of Africa
Facilitated by Westmont Institute of Tourism & Hospitality
Sérgio Guerreiro
Academic Director, Nova SBE Westmont Institute of Tourism & Hospitality
Gitonga M’Mbijjewe
, The Aga Khan University
09:00 - 09:30
Invest Room
Mastering Tourism Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Success in a Competitive Market
Hamza Farooqui
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Millat Investments (Pty) Ltd
09:30 - 10:15
Invest Room
Cutting Costs in the Hospitality Industry: An Open Discussion on Strategies for Reducing Operating Expenses
Moderator
Abraham Muthogo Kamau
Vice President - Africa, ToggleMarket
In conversation with
Devendra Asher
Group General Manager, Panari Hotels and Resorts
Wytze Van den Berg
Vice President EMEA, BWH Hotel Group®
Paul Bridger
Chief Operating Officer, Rove Hotels
Samson Mwale
Chief Executive Officer, Sunbird Tourism PLC
09:30 - 10:00
Inspire Room
Spotlight on Rwanda: Unveiling Potential through Projects
Moderator
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor, CBS News
In conversation with
Ariella Kageruka
Head of Tourism and Conservation Department , Rwanda Development Board
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
Political Economy Analyst , Political Futures Consulting
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 , Actis
Srividya Jagannathan
Manager - Consumer and Social Services, International Finance Corp, World Bank Group
Saad Rahman
Chief Executive Officer, Salaam Investment Bank
11:40 - 11:45
Plenary Session
Project Showcase 1: Zanzibar
11:45 - 12:20
Plenary Session
Emerging Market Projects: Dos and Don'ts for Success in the Hospitality Industry
Moderator
Scott Antel
Founder, Scott's FZ
In conversation with
Bani Haddad
Founder, Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality
Rahul Chaudhary
Managing Director, CG Corp Global & , CEO, CG Hospitality Global Holdings
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
Host of BBC Travel Show & , BBC World News
In conversation with
Rose Bakri
Chief Operating Officer , Louvre Hotels Africa
Artur Gerber
Chief Executive Officer, TUI Blue Hotels & Resorts
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 Africa
14:15 - 14:45
Plenary Session
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Hospitality
Moderator
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor, CBS News
In conversation with
Speaker
Lara Dupre
Co-founder & General Manager, Le Palais d'Akwa
Speaker
Clemence Lormand
Development Director FAUCHON L' Hôtel, Aleph Hospitality
Speaker
Vimbai Masiyiwa
Chief Executive Officer, Batoka Africa
14:45 - 15:25
Plenary Session
Unlocking Africa's Tourism Potential: Driving Economic Growth through Hotels and Leisure Offerings
Moderator
Daniel Silke
Political Economy Analyst , Political Futures Consulting
In conversation with
Mohammed Hersi
Group Director of Operations, Pollman's Tours and Safaris Ltd
Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development and Managing Director, TUI Hotels & Resorts
Ariella Kageruka
Head of Tourism and Conservation Department , Rwanda Development Board
Daniel Trappler
Senior Director of Development, Radisson Hotel Group
15:25 - 16:05
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 , GREAT LAKES SAFARIS LTD
16:05 - 16:45
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
Dami Adepoju
Development Marketing Director, EMEA, Marriott International
Mohamed Awadalla
CEO, TIME Hotels
Merilee Karr
Founder and CEO, UnderTheDoormat Group
Khalil Ketari
Consultant, Kasada Capital Management
16:35 - 16:45
Plenary Session
Handover Ceremony 2024
Moderator
Matthew Weihs
Managing Director, the Bench
In conversation with
16:45 - 16:55
Plenary Session
Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change
Speaker
Laurinda Marsh
Global Projects Key Account Manager Africa, Hansgrohe SE
16:55 - 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 (REQUEST A PLACE - Limited places available)
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
Unlocking Resilience through Real Estate and Air Cargo Developments in Africa
Nelly Alandou
Senior Aviation Consultant, Strategy and Planning , NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants
Asmeeta Das Sharma
Lead - Sustainability Strategy & Airport Master Planner, Strategy and Planning , NACO, Netherlands Airport Consultants
Marcel Langeslag
Director, Aviation , 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
Real Estate Plenary
Project Showcase: Guinea
Namory Camara
Managing Director, SOGEAC
11:15 - 11:30
Real Estate Plenary
Project Showcase: Zambia
Kephas Phiri
Senior Manager Commercial Marketing & Advertising, Zambia Airports Corporation
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: Dube Tradeport (Durban)
Thulisile Galelekile
Executive Strategy and Operation, Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal
Xolile Shabalala
Senior Manager: Marketing, Dube TradePort Corporation
12:45 - 13:00
Real Estate Plenary
Closing Remarks
Jon Howell
CEO and Founder, AviaDev Africa
13:00 - 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