Speaker

Lara Dupre

Co Founder & CEO
Le Palais d’Akwa

Graduated from the Institut Paul Bocuse with a specialization in hotel and restaurant management and entrepreneurship. Co-founded and served as General Manager of Aichti Hotel, Côte d'Ivoire’s first lifestyle hotel, which opened in January 2021. A year later, founded IDC Consulting & Event, a firm dedicated to tailor-made event planning and hospitality consulting, operating both in Africa and internationally. In October 2023, driven by a vision of continuous innovation and development, the opportunity arose to acquire Le Palais d’Akwa, a boutique hotel in the heart of Abidjan. Officially launched in January 2024, it has since become a premier destination, specializing in event hosting, with the creation of a bespoke catering service for both in-house and off-site events. Born and raised in Côte d'Ivoire, deeply convinced of Africa’s immense growth potential. The ambition is to drive transformative hospitality projects that blend tourism, culture, and human connection, shaping the future of the industry on the continent.