INSPIRE. INVEST. IMPACT.
12-14June2023


12-14June2023
Jambo! What can I say? This is a great honour to be welcoming all our Africa Hospitality Investment Forum family back to Kenya once more.
It seems a lifetime ago but, after a hugely successful AHIF in Kenya, we had planned on coming back to Nairobi in 2020. Sadly though we all know what happened, so after all the turmoil of the past few years it is wonderful to be back. With the world now functioning at pre-covid efficiency again we must not forget the lessons this period has taught our industry. AHIF will address some of the new trends leading after the pandemic – from exploring sustainable development to unlocking the leisure potential of Africa – but this year’s agenda will give you all the knowledge and insights to be equipped to find the best opportunities, relationships, and deals, across Africa.
It is worth noting that in 2018 Grant Thornton had just completed an impact study behind AHIF. They’d concluded that the total touristic contribution of the AHIF events (over a 5 year period from 2011 – 2016) had been $6.9m (another projected $9.9m from indirect and induced impacts) and has created approximately 5,462 jobs as a consequence.
To extrapolate for the purpose of this year’s event means that we can forecast that $1bn of deals is waiting to be done over the course of the next few days… So, get networking as soon as you can, either on our mobile app or by reaching out to our AHIF team to help you connect.
Feel the pulse of the African market; the sights, smells and energy. It is humbling to return and experience the wonderful hospitality here. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Cabinet Secretary, Minister of Tourism & Wildlife in Kenya, Hon, Peninah Malonza OGW for welcoming us back and being our guest of honour. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Westmont Hospitality Group and Actis for hosting us – without their support we wouldn’t have been able to bring you AHIF in Kenya.
Thank you to all of those who make AHIF what it is – our 34 sponsors, 75 speakers and 400 delegates… For those new to the AHIF family please look out for those who wear the AHIF pin – these are awarded to those who are our long-standing customers. They will give you advice and help you acclimatise to the event to gain the most from it. Please also feel free to join our welcome reception on Monday morning where I can talk you through the agenda and how to get the most out of AHIF 2023.
We have a fabulous agenda this year and one that recognises two of the biggest personalities of the industry. Mr 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) will be recognised with the AHIF Leadership award and Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels – a member of the Diar Group will be awarded the AHIF Outstanding Contribution to Africa Award.
I’d like to thank them both for accepting the honour and for everything they have done for African Hospitality.
This year’s agenda will not disappoint. From ministerial discussions and one-on-one interviews led by Peter Greenberg to a series of informative sessions led by JLL, The Economist, W Hospitality, Colliers and Knight Frank – AHIF leads the way for insights. It is heartening to see topics covering sustainability, human capital and leadership driving at the heart of change in the market. These days, the experience you have at a conference is as important as the information and connections you take back home with you, and this year we are delighted to host two wonderful receptions – firstly here at the Radisson Blu where Westmont Hospitality Group will host our opening reception. Followed by a short trip to the new Wojo property where we will be hosted by Kasada Capital Management for our second reception. Aside from that we have a charity run on Tuesday morning around the Nairobi Aboretum where we will be unveiling the AHIF Bench as well as raising money for the Friends of Nairobi National Park. We will also be going to the wonderful Social House for an insight session. We are also delighted to bring you the AviaDev Real Estate sessions – run by my colleague Jon Howell and the AviaDev team – these will present development opportunities for airports and be open to both AHIF and AviaDev attendees.
All of this would not be possible without the passion and dedication of the AHIF team. It would be remiss of me not to say thank you and well done to Mala, Tanja, Usama, Laura, Michelle, Jennifer, Ahmed, Innara and Joan.
The team are here to help you with any introductions and to facilitate meetings, should you need it. Enjoy AHIF!
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, The BenchMonday 12 June
07:30 - 08:30
08:30 - 09:30
09:30 - 09:40
09:40 - 10:15
10:15 - 10:20
10:20 - 10:45
10:45 - 11:00
11:00 - 11:15
11:15 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:05
12:05 - 12:50
12:50 - 13:05
13:05 - 13:20
13:20 - 14:15
14:15 - 14:55
14:55 - 15:00
15:00 - 15:40
15:40 - 15:45
15:45 - 16:15
16:15 - 16:30
Registration and Welcome Refreshments
Speed Networking
Welcome Remarks
Navigating Global Risks: The Impact on Africa's Hospitality Industry
Keynote Address
Collaborating for a Sustainable Future: The Role of Government Partnerships in Developing Tourism Regions
AHIF Creating Impact Awards – Leadership Award
AHIF Creating Impact Awards – Outstanding Contribution to Africa
Networking Coffee Break
Global and Regional Outlook on the Broader Real Estate Sector and what this means for Hospitality Investment
Unlocking Investment Potential in Africa: Maximizing Returns in a Growing Market
Insight on Africa: What are the numbers telling us?
Fireside Chat: A Global Perspective on the Future of Hospitality in Africa
Networking Lunch
Building a Net Zero Future: Addressing the Challenges in the Hotel Industry through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategies
Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change
Unveiling the Prospects and Tackling the Hurdles of Hotel Development in Africa
AHIF Charity 2023: FoNNaP
Unleashing the Power of Technology: Understanding the Significance of Tech Investment in the Hospitality Industry
Networking Coffee Break
Unlocking the Investor's Criteria: A Workshop on What Hotel Financiers Look for in a Financing Opportunity
Leveraging Local and Regional Sourcing: How to Take Advantage of Trade Tariffs, Improve Sustainability, Reduce Development Costs
17:15 -
Passing the Torch: Navigating Family Business Succession in the African Hotel Industry
Exploring Developing Markets: Opportunities and Challenges in the Hospitality Industry
18:00 - 21:00
Opening Reception at Radisson Blu Hotel, Upper Hill Nairobi hosted by Westmont Hospitality Group
Investors Briefing: Global Update on Hospitality Investments
Tuesday 13 June
07:00 - 08:00
08:00 - 09:00
08:55 - 09:00
Charity Run at Arboretum
Morning Refreshments
Welcome Back
CLOSED DOOR DISCUSSION: (by invitation only) Facing the Labour Shortage: A Discussion on Developing Human Resources
Strategies in the Hospitality Industry
Inspiring Change: The Rise of Transformational Travel
Mastering Tourism Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Success in a Competitive Market
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Spotlight on Rwanda: Unveiling Potential through Projects
Cutting Costs in the Hospitality Industry: An Open Disscussion on Strategies for Reducing Operating Expenses
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:00
11:00 - 11:40
11:40 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:20
12:20 - 12:25
12:25 - 13:00
13:00 - 14:00
14:00 - 14:15
14:15 - 14:45
14:45 - 15:25
15:25 - 16:05
16:05 - 16:45
16:45 - 16:55
16:55 - 17:15
17:30 - 21:00
Networking Coffee Break
Future Outlook: Upcoming Projects in the Hospitality Market in Africa
Access to Capital: Navigating Solutions for Successful Hospitality Financing
Project Showcase 1
Emerging Market Projects: Dos and Don'ts for Success in the Hospitality Industry
Project Showcase 2
Investing in People: Re-evaluating the Emphasis on Human Skills in the Hospitality Industry
Networking Lunch
Achieving Success: Insights into Female Entrepreneurship in Africa
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women in Hospitality
Unlocking Africa's Tourism Potential: Driving Economic Growth through Hotels and Leisure Offerings
Uniquely Independent: Greater Risk, Greater Reward or Both?
Adapting to the Evolving Market: The Rise of Alternative Accommodation
Collaboration for Impact: Sustainability Pledge to Drive Industry Change
Closing Remarks and Handover Ceremony for AHIF 2024
Networking Reception at WOJO – Mercure Nairobi Upper Hill
Wednesday 14 June
05:30 - 12:00
Nairobi National Park & The Social House (limited places)
Join us on a safari into Nairobi National Park followed by brunch at the Social House.
Join us and be part of one of the fastestgrowing hotel companies across Africa.
With an ambition to grow from 100 hotels in Africa today to over 150 hotels within the next five years, Radisson Hotel Group offers a variety of brands and tailored solutions for your hotel developments.
From resorts to city hotels but also serviced apartments and conversion opportunities, our group provides all the tools for a successful partnership.
Our hotel group remains the most diverse hotel company with a presence across over 30 countries on the African continent.
Over the last two years alone, RHG has opened 14 hotels and signed over 25 new hotels, adding more than 4,800 additional rooms - a 15 percent year on year growth to its African portfolio.
Discover more about our brands and us at Radissonhotelgroup.com/development
Hospitality—can it be reimagined? To us, it’s an art that knows no bounds - it sparks infinite moments, whether you want to Live, Work, or Play. To unlock life lived limitless, we’ve created a holistic lifestyle ecosystem, and the innovative solutions to power it all. Because the future belongs to those who design it, and we’re here to bring you there - first.
group.accor.com/hoteldevelopment
NETWORK IN AFRICA PIPELINE IN AFRICA
152 86 26.900
17,460 Hotels Rooms Rooms Hotels
IN THE NETWORK IN THE PIPELINE
5,400 +1,200
802,000 +212,000 Hotels Rooms Rooms Hotels
Cape Grace managed by accor Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 114 Keys South Africa.Navigating global risks: The impact on Africa's hospitality industry
Collaborating for a sustainable future: The role of government partnerships in
Tourism
Host of BBC Travel Show & BBC World News Managing Director for Promotion Services, Serena Hotels Africa, Head of the Tourism Department for Aga Khan Fund for Economic Special Advisor, UNWTO, Managing Director MEA Nqobizita Mangaliso Ndlovu Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, ZimbabweMonday 12 June
10:45 - 11:00
AHIF Creating Impact Awards – Outstanding Contribution to Africa
11:15 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:05
Networking Coffee Break with Speed Networking
Global and regional outlook on the broader real estate sector and what this means for hospitality investment
12:05 - 12:50
Unlocking investment potential in Africa: Maximizing returns in a growing market
12:50 - 13:05
Insight on Africa: What are the numbers telling us?
13:05 - 13:20
Fireside Chat: A Global Perspective on the Future of Hospitality in Africa
Monday 12 June
13:20 - 14:15
14:15 - 14:55
Networking Lunch
Building a net zero future: addressing the challenges in the hotel industry through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) Strategies
MODERATOR
14:55 - 15:00
Collaboration for impact: Sustainability pledge to drive industry change
15:00 - 15:40
Unveiling the prospects and tackling the hurdles of hotel development in Africa
MODERATOR
15:40 - 15:45
AHIF Charity 2023: FoNNaP
Laurinda Marsh Global Projects Key Account Manager – Africa, Hansgrohe Jim Kinyany Vice Chair, Friends of Nairobi National Park (FoNNaP) Christopher Lund Executive Director, Head of Hotels - MENA Region, Colliers Charbel Boutros VP Development ME & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts Karim Cheltout Regional VP, Lodging Development Africa & All-Inclusive EMEA, Marriott International Khalil Manji Partner, Compagnie Hoteliere et Immobiliere Du Congo (CHIC) Dupe Olusola Managing Director / CEO, Transcorp Hotels PlcMonday 12 June
15:45 - 16:15
Unleashing the power of technology: Understanding the significance of tech investment in the hospitality industry
16:15 - 16:30
16:30 - 17:30
Networking Coffee Break
16:30 - 17:15
Unlocking the investor's criteria: A workshop on what hotel financiers look for in a financing opportunity
Leveraging local and regional sourcing: How to take advantage of trade tariffs, improve sustainability, reduce development costs
16:30 - 17:15
Exploring developing markets: opportunities and challenges in the hospitality industry
MODERATOR
17:15 - 18:00
WORKSHOP: Passing the Torch: Navigating Family Business Succession in the African Hotel Industry
17:15 - 17:45 Impact Room
Investors Briefing: Global Update on Hospitality Investments
FACILITATED BY
hansgrohe offers sustainable product solutions to help reduce your water and energy consumption.
Ensuring quality performance, whilst doing good for the planet too.
Tuesday 13 June
11:40 - 11:45
11:45 - 12:20
Project Showcase 1
Emerging market projects: Dos and don'ts for success in the hospitality industry
12:20 - 12:25
12:25 - 13:00
Project Showcase 2
Investing in people: Re-evaluating the emphasis on human skills in the hospitality industry
13:00 - 14:00
14:00 - 14:15
Networking Lunch
Achieving Success: Insights into Female Entrepreneurship in Africa
14:15 - 14:45
Breaking barriers: Empowering women in hospitality
IHG® Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s leading hotel companies with over 6,000 open hotels and 910,000 open rooms across 100 countries.
With a global portfolio consisting of 18 distinctive and well-loved brands, and a world-class loyalty programme, underpinned by a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.
6000+ open hotels globally
18 industry-leading brands
115m+ IHG One Rewards members
Tuesday 13 June
14:45 - 15:25
Unlocking Africa's Tourism Potential: Driving Economic Growth through Hotels and Leisure Offerings
MODERATOR
David Silke Director, Political Futures Consultancy
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Mohammed Hersi Group Director of Operations, Pollman's Tours and Safaris Ltd
Ariella Kageruka Head of Tourism and Conservation Department, Rwanda Development Board
Wesam Okasha Head of Global Development and Managing Director, TUI Hotels & Resorts
15:25 - 16:05 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
16:05 - 16:45
Daniel Trappler
Senior Director of Development, Radisson Hotel Group
James
Valery
Amos
Adapting to the evolving market: The rise of alternative accommodation
MODERATOR
Mmatsatsi Ramawela
Director, Gecko Afrika Holdings & Chapter President, International institute for Peace through Tourism Southern Africa (IIPTSA)
IN CONVERSATION WITH
Khalil
Jugal Khushalani Director, Lodging Development, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International
Tuesday 13 June
16:45 - 16:55
Collaboration for impact: Sustainability pledge to drive industry change
17:00 - 17:15
Closing Remarks and Handover Ceremony for AHIF 2024
Weihs Managing Director, The Bench17:30 - 21:00
Networking Reception at WOJO – Mercure Nairobi Upper Hill
Wednesday 14 June
05:30 - 12:00
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 12:00 noon
Limited places - only by request.
Matthew Laurinda Nairobi National Park The Social HouseWednesday 14 June
08:00 - 09:00
09:00 - 09:15
09:15 - 10:00
10:00 - 11:00
11:00 - 11:15
11:15 - 11:30
11:30 - 12:00
12:00 - 12:15
12:15 - 12:30
12:30 - 12:45
12:45 - 13:00
13:00 - 13:05
13:05 - 14:00
14:00 - 17:00
17:00 - 20:00
Registration and Welcome Refreshments
Welcome Remarks
Unlocking Resilience through Real Estate and Air Cargo Developments in Africa
Raising Capital for Airport Projects in Africa: Understanding the Financing Landscape and Investors' Priorities
Project Showcase: Kenya
Project Showcase: Guinea
Creating a Winning Formula for Airport Hotels in Africa: Understanding the Attractions and Requirements for Success
Project Showcase: Zimbabwe
Project Showcase: Lanseria
Project Showcase: Dube Tradeport (Durban)
Project Showcase: Zambia
Final Remarks
Networking Lunch
Investor Meetings
Networking Reception at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, hosted by Open to all attendees of AviaDev Real Estate and AviaDev.
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. Attendance for AviaDev Real Estate is included within your AHIF pass.
Wednesday 14 June 08:00 - 09:00 Registration and Welcome Refreshments 09:00 - 09:15
Remarks 09:15 - 10:00
Unlocking Resilience through Real Estate and Air Cargo
10:00 - 11:00
Raising capital for airport projects in Africa: Understanding the financing landscape and investors' priorities
EQUATE is an independent African property and construction consultancy established in 2013 providing managed solutions for clients investing in infrastructure, property and construction. We offer services that make a measurable difference in value, cost and time on our client’s projects.
EQUATE is the leading cost consultancy in African leisure and hospitality developments with extensive experience in this sector. We have provided quantity surveying services in 23 countries in Africa and the Middle East, mostly with internationally branded hotel operators. A wealth of knowledge and expertise have been captured and packaged to provide our clients with the best advice and solutions for their development. We understand the design economics, value and cost drivers of hotel and leisure projects and are able to assist clients and design teams to develop the most optimum product based on design, brand requirements, efficiency, technology, sustainability and life cycle.
With our vast amount of actual construction cost data across the continent we can provide accurate cost input to our clients irrespective of the location, the product, brand or the client’s ambitions.
For any further info, contact us at ahif@equateafrica.com
Wednesday 14 June
11:00 - 11:15
Project Showcase: Kenya
11:15 - 11:30
Project Showcase: Guinea
11:30 - 12:00 Creating a winning formula for airport hotels in Africa: Understanding the attractions and requirements for success
12:00 - 12:15
Project Showcase: Zimbabwe
12:15 - 12:30
Project Showcase: Lanseria
12:30 - 12:45
Project Showcase: Dube Tradeport (Durban)
12:45 - 13:00
Project Showcase: Zambia
Rashid Abdullah Manager - Planning, Research and Budgeting, Kenya Airports Authority Verengai Ruswa Finance Director, Airports Company of Zimbabwe Trevor Ward Managing Director, W Hospitality GroupWednesday 14 June
13:00 - 13:05 Final Remarks
Jon Howell CEO and Founder, AviaDev Africa13:05 - 14:00
14:00 - 17:00
17:00 - 20:00 Networking Reception at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill
Open to all attendees of AviaDev Real Estate and AviaDev.
With the world’s most robust portfolio backed by a powerful global infrastructure and a dedicated team of professionals, we provide a partnership focused on your success. And with the world’s largest hotel loyalty program, Marriott Bonvoy™, members can earn, book and redeem in over 8,300 hotels located across 138 countries and territories. Harness the power of Marriott and make the most of your hotel investment.
From beach stays to unbeatable central locations, we’ve got it all.
Rove Hotels thrive at the intersection of creativity and community. Discover cool co-working locations along with artsy interiors, innovative facilities, fuss-free service, and sustainable amenities.
For more information, visit rovehotels.com/development.
rovehotels.com
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In today’s volatile and highly dependent global economy, the need to establish resilient supply chains is increasingly important. Our Dedicated Procurement and Supply Chain Solution can help you optimize your pre-opening procurement strategy and deliver cost reductions across the entire supply chain.
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