AHIF 2024 Delegate Guide

25-27 JUNE 2024 Mövenpick Hotel, Windhoek, Namibia

INSPIRING GROWTH POWERING INVESTMENT # A H I F | A H I F.CO M

DELEGATE GUIDE H OST PART N E R

HOST SPONSOR

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S

ORGANISED BY

WELCOME TO AHIF As we stand on the cusp of another extraordinary chapter in the journey of the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), I am incredibly proud that we are hosting in the SADC region for the first time.

Our company history is defined by innovation and resilience - a story that began in 2011 when I joined Bench Events and set myself on a mission to serve our customers better. We asked our international community how we could serve them better and they gave a resounding call to launch an event in Africa, an emerging market ripe with potential.

In 2011, with that vision in mind, we hosted our very first African hotel investment conference in Morocco.

With 250 attendees and 15 sponsors, we had humble beginnings. But the untapped potential of the continent continued to prove itself. In 2012, we received unwavering support from Kenya, enabling us to become the first event company to host a hotel investment conference in sub-Saharan Africa. AHIF, the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum, was born, and the rest is history.

Now, with over 400 professionals in attendance, AHIF has grown stronger by journeying through Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Morocco and Togo. In 2016, we proudly launched FIHA, AHIF’s sister event, the Forum de l’Investissement Hôtelier Africain, catering to the Francophone African region.

2 | Ahif.com

Investing in Africa has always been about exploring uncharted territories, connecting new people, and embracing alternative scenarios. With this in mind, we have chosen Namibia as the backdrop for AHIF 2024, promising a remarkable experience for all participants. Namibia’s diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and immense potential make it the ideal destination for our event. By extending our reach into the SADC region, we aim to connect with thriving markets and foster new relationships. This expansion aligns with our mission to provide you with fresh opportunities for growth and collaboration.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the NIPDB (the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board), Kasada Group and all the local stakeholders in Namibia who have united together behind AHIF to help us deliver, what promises to be, a magical week. I encourage all of our attendees to make the most of their trip and spend a few extra days to explore this wonderful country.

As we come together in Namibia, let us cherish the lessons learned over the past years, celebrate the moments we’ve missed, and seize the exciting opportunities that await. Let’s chart new paths to growth and expansion in a budding region. AHIF has evolved into the primary meeting place for hotel investors, owners, financiers, and developers because it is not only a platform for learning but also a space for nurturing valuable relationships.

Africa’s market, while promising, can be daunting to navigate. AHIF is a comprehensive solution for accelerating growth on the continent. It provides the stage to demonstrate thought leadership, raise awareness of your services, and engage in efficient, relevant networking. Networking has always been a cornerstone of AHIF, and we are committed to delivering an unparalleled networking experience.

The connections you establish at AHIF 2024 will not only contribute to your professional growth but will also shape the future of the hotel investment community in Africa.

I eagerly anticipate working with you to make AHIF 2024 in Namibia an unprecedented success. Our shared journey is to collaborate on the growth of the region and foster harmonious connections within the industry for shared development.

3 | Ahif.com

Matthew Weihs Group Managing Director the bench

4 | Ahif.com

FLOORPLAN

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

P1 Rwanda Development Board

G1 CityBlue Hotels

P2 Accor

G2 Hansgrohe

P3 Radisson Hotel Group

G3 Marriott International

P4 ClubMed

G4 BWH Hotels G5 Millennium Hotels & Resorts G6 IHG

Silver Sponsors E1 TIME Hotels E2 TV5Monde

G7 Aleph Hospitality G8 TUI Hotels & Resorts G9 CHIC G10 JLL G11 Knight Frank

Refreshment Bar Sponsor

G12 Colliers

E5 Zia Atelier

G14 Uganda Tourism Board

Mini Golf Sponsor E4 CBRE Excellerate

AHIF Clinic Sponsor

G13 Kofisi

Confectionary Café Sponsor E3 Profica

Craft Stalls

N3 Wisefields Law 1 Engrav-A-Dream - Laser Engraving

3 Saras Saran – Handmade Arts & Crafts

N1 DSTV

4 Elephant Bistro - Crafts & Bistro Shop

N2 Talinda East Africa

5 Amor Leather – Leather bags

FLOORPLAN 5 | Ahif.com

Networking Sponsors

2 Josephine’s Leather Works, Arts & Crafts – Leather Products

6 | Ahif.com

7 | Ahif.com

8 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A 2 0 2 4 From 11:00

Registration

12:00 - 13:00

Investor Council - Closed Door Session

12:30 - 13:00

Newcomers Welcome

Main Conference Room

TUESDAY, 25 JUNE

Matthew Weihs Group Managing Director the Bench

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 15:30

Discussion Groups A facilitated roundtable discussion centering on prominent trends and challenges within the hospitality sector. Participants will engage in dialogue and gain insights into a specific industry topic

14:00 - 14:45 Main Conference Room

Domestic Demand Generator – how can big brands become more attractive for the local market?

Daniel Trappler Senior Director Development Southern & Eastern Africa Radisson Hotel Group

Management Agreements and Franchise Models as Viable Strategies in Emerging Markets?

Scott Antel Partner & Owner Scott’s FZ LLE

14:00 - 15:30

AHIF Clinic This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on navigating the complex legal landscape of the hospitality industry by Wisefields, an award-winning specialist law firm renowned for its singular focus on the real estate, hotels, and tourism industry . Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with legal experts asking questions. Time slots can be booked via the AHIF app.

Main Conference Room

What is the best use for AI in training talent in Africa?

Johan Steyn Chief Executive Officer Artificial Intelligence for Business

Is Conservation Big Business? Private Sector Impact on Africa’s Conservation Joe Pietersen Founder Nkombe Rhino NPC

9 | Ahif.com

14:00 - 14:45

10 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A

TUESDAY, 25 JUNE

14:30 - 16:00

Powering Investments into Namibian Hospitality

Workshop Room 1

This interactive session provides delegates an opportunity to gain valuable insights into Namibia’s vibrant tourism industry and emerging investment opportunities as Namibia positions itself as a premium destination for leisure and business tourism.

Opening Remarks:

Investment Opportunities in Namibia:

Francois van Schalkwyk

Nangula Uuandja

Executive Director NIPDB

Chief Executive Officer Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board

Roundtable Discussion: Philip Chapman

Sebulon Chicalu

Travel Editor CBS News

Chief Executive Officer RMB/FNB Namibia

Director Tourism & Gaming Ministry of Environment Forestry and Tourism

Peter-Hain Kayapua

Ram Lokan

Founding CEO Uakii Wilderness Safaris

Principal - Investment Kasada Capital Management

Bornventure Mbidzo

Gitta Paetzold

in conversation with

Peter Greenberg

Acting Chief Executive Officer Namibia Tourism Board

Chief Executive Officer Hospitality Association of Namibia

Closing Remarks: Philip Chapman Chief Executive Officer RMB/FNB Namibia

15:00 - 17:00

YPO Networking Reception

15:30 - 16:00

Coffee Break Workshops

16:00 - 16:45

Elevating Hospitality: Addressing Global Skills Deficiency in Tourism

Workshop Room 1

16:45 - 17:30

Tonderayi Prosper Mageza

Gitta Paetzold

Consulting Expert UNESCO-UNEVOC

Chief Executive Officer Hospitality Association of Namibia

What are the lessons learned from Mature Markets in Destination Development?

Workshop Room 2 Jillian Blackbeard Chief Executive Officer Africa’s Eden

16:45 - 17:30 Workshop Room 1

Decoding Investment Opportunities in African Tourism Destinations Naiara López Giner

17:30 - 18:30

Sundowner Speed Networking

Main Conference Room

Speed Networking is a great way to break the ice and ensure you go into FHS already knowing your fellow attendees. Meet over 30 new contacts before the conference has officially started! Don’t forget to bring lots of business cards! Taking place prior to the Opening Reception.

18:30 - 21:30

Welcome Reception at Movenpick Hotel Windhoek Join us for the welcome reception indulging in African culture at the Movenpick Hotel Windhoek, hosted by Kasada Capital Management.

11 | Ahif.com

Associate Manager – Tourism Advisory Lead, Hospitality & Tourism Colliers in MENA

12 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A

WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE

08:00 - 09:00

Registration

09:00 - 09:10

Welcome Remarks

Main Conference Room

Matthew Weihs

09:10 - 09:20

Opening Remarks

Main Conference Room

Nangula Uuandja

09:20 - 09:40 Main Conference Room

Thami Nkadimeng

Group Managing Director the Bench

The Message Architect Thami Nkadimeng Group

Chief Executive Officer Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board

Africa in the New Global Geopolitical Order: The Impact on the Hospitality Industry 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 & PwC Africa ESG Platform Lead

09:40 - 10:00 Main Conference Room

Setting the Scene for Destination & Hotel Development in Africa Philip Wooller Area Director- Middle East & Africa STR

10:00 - 10:20 Main Conference Room

Official Welcome Hon.Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta

H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Minister of Environment Forestry and Tourism Republic of Namibia, to introduce the President

Vice President Republic of Namibia

10:20 - 10:45

Coffee Break

10:45 - 11:15

Government Initiatives to support the Hospitality Industry

Main Conference Room

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.

Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta

Peter Greenberg in conversation with

Travel Editor CBS News

Minister of Environment Forestry and Tourism Republic of Namibia, to introduce the President

Lola Ade-John Minister of Tourism Federal Ministry of Tourism, Nigeria

Main Conference Room

Fireside Chat: How to Align Tourism Strategies Across Key African Markets for Sustainable Growth Peter Greenberg Travel Editor CBS News

in conversation with

Haitham Mattar Special Advisor, UNWTO and Managing Director MEA & South West Asia IHG Hotels & Resorts

13 | Ahif.com

11:15 - 11:30

14 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A 11:30 - 11:45 Main Conference Room

WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE Fireside Chat: How to Align Tourism Strategies Across Key African Markets for Sustainable Growth Olivier Granet

Peter Greenberg

Managing Partner & Co-CEO Kasada Capital Management

Travel Editor CBS News

11:45 - 11:55

Setting the Scene: Assessing Market Dynamics through an Investor’s Lens

Main Conference Room

Wayne Godwin Co-Chief Executive Officer, JLL Africa Head, JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Africa

11:55 - 12:25 Main Conference Room

Investing with Insight: Strategies for Implementing Optimal Capital Structures in High-Interest Rate Environments How to capitalize on emerging opportunities on the continent while devising strategic exit plans simultaneously.

Folaseto Akin-Olugbade

Wayne Godwin Co-Chief Executive Officer, JLL Africa Head, JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group, Africa

Investment Professional Actis

Marc Wachsberger

David Damiba

Chief Executive Officer The Capital Hotel & Apartments

Managing Partner, CO-CEO Kasada Capital Management

12:25 - 12:45

What’s whetting Investors’ Appetite for Resorts?

Main Conference Room

What are some of the key factors fueling investor interest in African resorts Justin Kenny

Artur Gerber

Senior Consultant Hotel Advisory Services Colliers MENA

Chief Executive Officer TUI BLUE

Chris du Toit Head of Commercial Collins Group Residential

Hospitality with Purpose: Balancing Profitability with ESG and Culture Peter Greenberg Travel Editor CBS News

in conversation with

Jameel Verjee Founder & CEO CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group)

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 14:30

Capitalizing Growth: Spotlight on Active Development Financial Institutions

Main Conference Room

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

Ewan Cameron

Connie-Marlene Theyse

Director Africa Westmont Hospitality Group

Head, Enterprise Banking, High Touch & Mid Corporate FNB Commercial 15 | Ahif.com

12:45 - 13:00

16 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A 14:30 - 14:50 Main Conference Room

14:50 - 15:10

WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE In the Pipeline Trevor Ward Managing Director W Hospitality Group

Crafting Success: A Comprehensive Journey through Hotel Project Development in Africa Decoding the process of building a hotel from its inception by focusing on the key players and a well-defined project scope.

Turab Saleem

in conversation with

Erwan Garnier

Partner - Head of Hospitality Tourism & Leisure MENA Knight Frank

15:10 - 15:25 Main Conference Room

Senior Director Development - Africa Radisson Hotel Group

Driving Growth in the Hospitality Market: Strategies for Scaling Brandsz Rishabh Thapar

Paul Stevens

in conversation with

Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division Accor

Director MEA HVS

15:25 - 16:00 Main Conference Room

Assessing the Significance and Economic Viability of International Brands in African Destinations Exploring the economic potential of international hospitality brands in African destinations, evaluating their viability for investment and development Fiona Craw

Hamza Farooqui in conversation with

Vice President – Hotels & Hospitality Group, Sub-Saharan Africa JLL Africa

16:00 - 16:30

Coffee Break

16:30 - 16:45

AHIF Awards

Main Conference Room

AHIF Outstanding Achievement Award

Founder and CEO Millat Investment

Bani Haddad Founder & Managing Director Aleph Hospitality

Amith Khanna Head of Franchise India Middle East & Africa IHG Hotels & Resorts

Haddis Tilahun Founder & Chairman United Africa Group

Alain Sebah President Louvre Hotels Africa

AHIF 2024 Creating Impact Award Matthew Weihs Group Managing Director the Bench

Dupe Olusola Managing Director & CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc.

Alain Sebah President Louvre Hotels Africa

The Urbanisation and changing Demographics in Africa and how it will shape the Future of Humanity Aradhana Khowala CEO & Founder Aptamind Partners 17 | Ahif.com

16:45 - 17:00 Main Conference Room

18 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A

WEDNESDAY, 26 JUNE

17:00 - 17:25

Our Greatest Asset: Nurturing the Power of People

Main Conference Room

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

Dimitris Manikis

Consulting Expert UNESCO-UNEVOC

in conversation with

17:25 - 17:35 Main Conference Room

President EMEA Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Lee-Ann Singer Chairperson FEDHASA Cape

Mehdi Morad Vice President Operations Africa, Mauritius, Reunion & Seychelles Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems

Hotelification of the Workplace: Introducing a new asset class for hospitality investors on the continent How the emerging trend of ‘hotelification’ in workplace environments is unveiling a new asset class to captivate hospitality investors across the continent Michael Aldridge Founder & CEO Kofisi

17:35 - 18:00

Redefining the Workplace: The Future of Hospitality-Driven Office Spaces

Main Conference Room

A panel discussion which goes beyond the traditional real estate investment, introducing alternative asset classes tailored for hospitality investors Dr. Mmatsatsi Ramawela Managing Director Africa Tourism Connect

Khalil Ketari Director Asset Management Kasada Capital Management

18:00 - 18:05 Main Conference Room

Michael Aldridge Founder & CEO Kofisi

Mark Somen Former Director, Soho House North America Former CEO, The Conduit

Recap of the Day Thami Nkadimeng The Message Architect Thami Nkadimeng Group

Evening Reception at Droombos Delve into Namibian culture with an evening reception at Droombos Vineyard Country Lodge, situated on the picturesque foothills of the Auas mountain range.

19 | Ahif.com

18:05 - 22:00

20 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A

THURSDAY, 27 JUNE

07:00 - 08:00

Charity Run at Windhoek Country Club

08:00 - 09:00

Refreshments

08:00 - 09:30

Spotlight on Namibia: Unveiling Potential through Projects

Workshop Room 1

This interactive session provides delegates an opportunity to gain valuable insights into Namibia’s vibrant tourism industry and emerging investment opportunities as Namibia positions itself as a premium destination for leisure and business tourism.

Francois van Schalkwyk Executive Director NIPDB

09:00 - 09:15 Main Conference Room

Welcome Back Thami Nkadimeng The Message Architect Thami Nkadimeng Group

09:15 - 09:40 Main Conference Room

Skybound Synergy: Public-Private Partnerships for Enhanced Aviation Connectivity This session focuses on the imperative for collaboration between private stakeholders, public entities, and key airlines Jon Howell

in conversation with

Founder & CEO AviaDev Africa

09:40 - 10:10 Main Conference Room

Managing Director FlyNamibia

Chief Executive Officer Namibia Airports Company

How lifestyle hospitality brands in Africa’s urban and leisure destinations are setting new standards in luxury experiences Markus Lehnert in conversation with

Group Executive Director The Latitude Hotels Group

10:10 - 10:20

Bisey Uirab

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

Paul Mack

Main Conference Room

Andre Compion

Senior Vice President International Hotel Development & Affiliations, EMEA Marriott International

JS Anand Founder & CEO Leva Hotels

Wytze van den Berg Vice President International Operations EMEA Vice President EMEA WorldHotels BWH Hotels

Sustainability from a Namibian Tourism Perspective Gys Joubert Managing Director Gondwana Collection

Guests’ Quest for Unique Experiences: The African Approach to Authentic Leisure Understanding the shift in tourist preferences to meet the growing demand for distinctive and authentic experiences by travelers Peter Greenberg in conversation with

Travel Editor CBS News

Chris Nader

Wesam Okasha

Co-Founder & CEO ENVI Lodges

Head of Global Development TUI BLUE

David Vely

Amos Wekesa

Vice President Development MEA India Club Med

Chief Executive Officer Great Lake Safaris

21 | Ahif.com

10:20 - 11:00 Main Conference Room

22 | Ahif.com

AG E N D A

THURSDAY, 27 JUNE

11:00 - 11:30

Coffee Break

11:30 - 11:40

Charity Presentation

Main Conference Room

11:40 - 12:00

Herman Aindongo NRWG Coordinator NACSO

Innovating Hospitality: How AI is shaping Africa’s Tourism

Main Conference Room

12:00 - 12:15

Johan Steyn Chief Executive Officer Artificial Intelligence for Business

Leading the Way: Pioneering Green Vision in Hospitality Investment

Main Conference Room

Laurinda Marsh Key Account Manager Global Projects - Africa Hansgrohe

Conscious Hospitality: Preserving Africa’s Natural Heritage through Social, Environmental, and Economic Initiatives 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?

Head of Sustainability IPP & Karingani

Managing Director Gondwana Collection

Lopang Rapodile

Kaddu Sebunya

ESG Manager Kasada Capital Management

Chief Executive Officer African Wildlife Foundation

Closing Remarks

Main Conference Room

Matthew Weihs

in conversation with

Jutta Berns

The Message Architect Thami Nkadimeng Group

12:50 - 13:00

Group Managing Director the Bench

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 16:00

Hospitality Leaders Unplugged

Main Conference Room

Gys Joubert

Thami Nkadimeng

Lara Dupre

Tonderayi Prosper Mageza

Chief Executive Officer Le Palais d’Akwa

Consulting Expert UNESCO-UNEVOC

in conversation with

Zarna Soni Chief of People CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group)

Dimitris Manikis President EMEA Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Lee-Ann Singer Chairperson FEDHASA Cape

23 | Ahif.com

12:15 - 12:50 Main Conference Room

24 | Ahif.com

25 | Ahif.com

26 | Ahif.com

27 | Ahif.com

28 | Ahif.com

29 | Ahif.com

30 | Ahif.com

31 | Ahif.com

32 | Ahif.com

33 | Ahif.com

34 | Ahif.com

35 | Ahif.com

36 | Ahif.com

37 | Ahif.com

38 | Ahif.com

2 0 2 4 S P O N S O R S & PA RT N E R S