Africa's Leading Hospitality Investors and Visionaries Come to Cape Town in June
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2025 comes to Cape Town from 17–19 June 2025, bringing together the most influential voices in hospitality investment, development, and sustainability from across the globe.
This year's speaker lineup features major investors, visionaries, strategists, and dealmakers who are actively reshaping the landscape of hospitality across Africa.
William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will headline the summit. A self-made entrepreneur who launched his first business at 17, Mr Heinecke has built one of the world's most respected hospitality groups. His keynote will explore the lessons behind that legacy and what's next for hotel expansion in Africa.
Guy Hutchinson, President of Hilton MEA, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director of IHG for MEA&Southwest Asia, will delve into how global hotel groups adapt their strategies for Africa's evolving markets. Meanwhile, Jerome Briet (Chief Development Officer EMEA, Marriott International), Jean-Baptiste Recher (CDO Luxury Brands, Accor), and Esteban Lozada (MD North, West&South Africa, Hilton) will highlight expansion plans and pipeline insights from the region's top brands.
On the investment side, the programme features heavyweights like Folaseto Akin-Olugbade (Principal, Actis), Olivier Granet and David Damiba (Co-CEOs, Kasada Capital Management), Rahul Chaudhary (MD&CEO, CG Corp Global), Magdaline Osei Baffour (Investment Director, Westmont Hospitality Group), Nyawira Kariuki (CEO, Janus Continental Group), and Jameel Verjee (Founder&CEO, CityBlue Hotels). They'll share unfiltered insights on how they evaluate opportunities, manage risk, and unlock long-term value in different African markets.
Graham Wood (CEO, Sun International), Marcel von Aulock (CEO, Southern Sun), and Tony Romer-Lee (Managing Partner AMEA, Valor Hospitality Partners), David Green (CEO, V&A Waterfront) add further firepower to the operator perspective, joining sessions on operating strategies, sustainability, and navigating development constraints.
Conservation and tourism sustainability will also take centre stage with Dr Morne du Plessis (CEO, WWF South Africa) and Mark Read (former WWF SA Chairman) exploring how hospitality can be a vehicle for positive environmental impact. Brooke Friswold of Bring The Elephant Home and Joe Pietersen of Nkombe Rhino will share field perspectives on ecotourism's potential.
Other voices enriching the dialogue include Gillian Saunders, one of Africa's leading tourism consultants, Kevin Teeroovengadum (Proptech Africa), Thami Nkadimeng, Paul Gardiner (CEO, Terra Nova), Bani Haddad (Aleph Hospitality), Tadiwos G. Belete (Kuriftu Resorts), Euan McGlashan (Valor Hospitality), Wayne Godwin (JLL Africa), and many more.
An Investor Powerhouse
FHS Africa 2025 will once again host the region's most active capital partners, including:
Berkeley Properties, Cameroon Hotels Corporation, CityBlue Hotels, Cresta Marakanelo Limited, DEG, FROS Capital, Fundo Soberano de Angola, IFC, Janus Continental Group, Oak&Satin Properties, Proparco, Rockshieldburg-City, The Midwest Company, and UAG Investments.
Together, these investors represent billions in active projects, acquisitions, and greenfield development across the continent. With over $4 billion in hospitality deals signed at FHS Africa since its inception, the event remains a catalyst for serious deal-making and investment.
Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director of the Bench, which organises FHS Africa, said: ' We're incredibly proud to bring FHS Africa to Cape Town for the first time. It's a city that represents innovation, diversity, and growth — the perfect backdrop for an event that connects the brightest minds in hospitality and drives real investment across the continent. The 2025 programme is bold, dynamic, and focused on action."
FHS Africa 2025 promises unparalleled opportunities to build meaningful relationships through various formats tailored for real engagement. From high-energy speed networking sessions and curated closed-door investor councils to exclusive offsite visits showcasing Cape Town's latest hospitality developments, every moment is designed to foster strategic connections. The event also features a community-focused charity Run, offering a lighter way to meet other delegates while supporting a worthy cause.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.
About FHS Africa:
For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality.
Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group
Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts
Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Island, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners
Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group
Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways
Supported By: South Africa Tourism
About The Bench:
The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry.
For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge.
Learn more at TheBench.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
2 days ago
- Arabian Post
Drunk Elephant's Moisturiser Gains Popularity in UAE Amidst Recall Concerns
Drunk Elephant's Lala Retro Whipped Cream has become a sought-after skincare product in the UAE, particularly among consumers seeking effective hydration solutions. The cream's formulation, featuring a triple-ceramide blend and a mix of African oils, has garnered attention for its ability to provide long-lasting moisture and support the skin's barrier function. The product's appeal lies in its clean and cruelty-free formulation, free from fragrances and essential oils, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Its airy, non-greasy texture allows for easy absorption, catering to the needs of individuals in the UAE's arid climate. However, the brand faced challenges when it voluntarily recalled certain batches of the Lala Retro Whipped Cream due to an ingredient mix-up during production. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that some products contained a surfactant not listed on the ingredient label, potentially leading to adverse skin reactions in sensitive individuals. Drunk Elephant promptly addressed the issue, offering full refunds or product exchanges to affected customers and emphasizing its commitment to product quality and customer satisfaction. Despite the recall, the product's popularity in the UAE remains strong, with consumers continuing to purchase it from various retailers, including Dubai Duty Free, Sephora, and online platforms like and The brand's transparency in handling the recall and its proactive measures to rectify the situation have helped maintain consumer trust.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Airport welcomes first Ethiopian Airlines flight
As part of a significant expansion of its route network into Africa, Sharjah Airport has officially welcomed the first direct flight operated by Ethiopian Airlines on 2nd June 2025, marking a new chapter in the airport's growing global connectivity. This step reflects Sharjah's rising status on the regional and international aviation map, as more global airlines choose the airport as a strategic operational hub linking the Middle East with the African continent. The inaugural flight was welcomed in a reception attended by senior officials and representatives from both sides. Ethiopian Airlines now operates four weekly flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Sharjah Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return flights departing Sharjah on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, bound for Addis Ababa. A Strategic Route Strengthening Trade and Investment Connectivity with Africa Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), emphasised that this strategic partnership with the national carrier of Ethiopia falls in line with the airport's ongoing efforts to expand its destination network and connect Sharjah with key emerging markets. He noted that this aligns with the growing demand for regional and international travel, fueled by the airport's ambitious expansion strategy and development projects aimed at increasing total passenger capacity to 25 million annually by the end of 2027. He added, 'This new route with Ethiopian Airlines represents a qualitative step in reinforcing the airport's role as a vital air bridge that supports trade and investment flows between the UAE and African nations. We remain committed to delivering the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and service diversity, through the adoption of smart technologies and advanced digital systems. This enhances operational performance and sustainability, while ensuring a seamless, safe, and integrated travel experience—further strengthening Sharjah Airport's position as a distinguished regional hub.' Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated, 'We are truly delighted to connect our passengers to an additional getaway in the UAE with our new flights to Sharjah. We have been connecting the UAE and Africa for nearly five decades now and the new service will help boost the investment, tourism, diplomatic and socioeconomic bonds between the two regions.' Sharjah Airport Authority continues to enhance its offering to attract global airlines by providing a comprehensive service ecosystem tailored to meet the evolving needs and goals of aviation partners. These services align with best global practices in the aviation industry and reflect the latest airport technologies and systems. Ethiopian Airlines—recognised as one of the leading carriers in Africa—operates flights to 142 international destinations for both passengers and cargo, and is known for its high operational efficiency and compliance with the highest global safety and quality standards. WAM
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Cape Town is Hot Property
Cape Town's hospitality and real estate industries are experiencing remarkable growth, reinforcing the city's current status as Africa's premier destination for tourism and investment. This surge bodes well for the upcoming Future Hospitality Summit Africa, the continent's most influential hospitality&tourism investment conference, which comes to 'The Mother City' on June 17-19. When destinations experience strong economic growth, they are typically a magnet for money, as investors are keen to come and see what's going on. Their presence has a knock-on effect of attracting top executives from developers, bankers, operators and brands, who are keen to meet their peers and discuss new opportunities. So, the organisers expect the Summit to be busy. The city's hotel sector has shown outstanding performance, with CoStar's April 2025 figures revealing an occupancy rate of 72.5%, the highest in South Africa. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) climbed by 20.1% year-on-year, reaching ZAR 2,286.63 and the Average Daily Rate (ADR) reached ZAR 3,145.96, up 17.7% on 2024. According to Philip Wooller, Area Director for the Middle East and Africa at CoStar. He said: 'Cape Town's performance reflects a powerful rebound in demand and a growing confidence in the city's hospitality offerings. The consistent rise in both occupancy and RevPAR shows that Cape Town is not only back on the global travel radar—it's commanding a premium.' This strong performance extends across the Western Cape too. In April 2025 the province posted a 64.6% hotel occupancy rate, well above the national average of 56.3%. Cape Town's Luxury properties also performed particularly well then, achieving an impressive 66.2% occupancy—outpacing counterparts in other major South African cities. Cape Town's real estate market is experiencing a similar boom. In 2024/5, the average capital value of property reached R13,400/sqm, significantly higher than Johannesburg, and Pretoria. Wayne Godwin, CEO at JLL Africa, noted: 'We're seeing a convergence of factors driving the real estate upswing in Cape Town: a robust tourism pipeline, investor confidence, and a renewed focus on mixed-use and lifestyle-driven developments. The city's appeal is both emotional and financial—it makes sense to visit, and increasingly, it makes sense to invest.' In keeping with its reputation as an investment-grade forum, FHS Africa's agenda will focus on all aspects of hospitality investment and finance, as well as development, capital markets, dealmaking and the sector's most pressing issues and opportunities. In the hospitality industry, it is known as a networking hub for global industry leaders, major investors, and policymakers and is an event where substantial deals are often conceived and announced. 'We're seeing strong and sustained demand in Cape Town, driven by both international, and regional travel. This is creating meaningful opportunities for growth, particularly in the premium and luxury space. The anticipated addition of Morea House, Autograph Collection later this year reflects this momentum and the market's appetite for distinctive, high-quality hospitality experiences,' said Karim Cheltout, Senior Vice President, Lodging Development at Marriott International, Middle East and Africa. Andrew McLachlan, Founder&MD, Develop Hotels Inc (pictured), concluded: 'Cape Town is buzzing — I'm tracking over 40 new hotel projects, from boutique stays, aparthotels to urban resorts. With global brands and bold independents circling, FHS Africa couldn't be better timed to help investors, developers and owners align brand, business models and strategy for serious long-term value' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench. Further Information: For further information and high-resolution images, please contact: David Tarsh +44 (0) 20 7602 5262 +44 (0) 7770 816 070 Email: David@ About FHS Africa: For over a decade, the Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa – formerly the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum) has been the launchpad for hospitality investment in Africa, driving growth, connecting visionaries, and transforming the continent's tourism and hospitality landscape. As a beacon of opportunity, FHS Africa brings together global investors, developers, operators, and industry leaders committed to turning potential into reality. Strategic Partners: Accor, BWH Hotels, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG Hotels&Resorts, Radisson Hotel Group Headline Sponsors: ACT, CHIC, Hansgrohe, TUI Hotels&Resorts Sponsors: Aleph Hospitality, CityBlue Hotels, EQUATE, Knight Frank, JLL, St Helena Government, STR, TIME Hotels, TV5 Monde, Valor Hospitality Partners Event Ambassadors: Develop Hotels Inc, Hotel Partners Africa, Voltere by Egis, W Hospitality Group Official Carriers: Discover Airlines, Kenya Airways Supported By: South Africa Tourism About The Bench: The Bench has a legacy of delivering world-leading investment forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The key principle behind these events has remained "dealmaking'. Transforming the way businesses connect, Bench has developed a reputation for creating innovative and high-impact meetings for the industry. For over two decades, government leaders, tourism ministries, global travel&tourism associations, the world's most influential hospitality brands, hotel owners&investors, renowned restaurant groups, airlines&aviation authorities, destination developers, asset managers, financial groups, and consultants have been participating in The Bench's events. These include FHS Africa, FHS World, FHS Saudi Arabia and AviaDev, where industry players showcase their brands, position themselves as thought leaders or innovators, and connect with the right individuals, opportunities and knowledge. Learn more at
