With the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) opening its doors on June 25, the Government of Namibia has confirmed that President Dr Nangolo Mbumba will headline the agenda.
AHIF, which is known as the most influential annual gathering of hospitality industry investors, business leaders, government officials, bankers, and expert advisors on the African continent, typically welcomes delegates from over 50 countries for three days of high-level networking, formal business meetings and discussions on all the latest trends and developments.
This year’s AHIF will take place at the Mövenpick Hotel in Windhoek, Namibia from June 25 to 27.
Hot topics include:
- Active Development of Financial Institutions
- Artificial Intelligence
- Authentic Leisure
- Aviation Connectivity
- Conservation and Sustainability
- Demographics
- Female Power
- Government Initiatives to Support Hospitality
- Hotel Development
- Hotelification of the Workspace
- International and Lifestyle Brands
- Investing in Namibia
- The New Global Geopolitical Order and its Impact on Hospitality
- New Ventures and Optimal Capital Structure
Prominent speakers include Namibia’s Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister, Pohamba Penomwenyo Shifeta, and several top executives who, between them, have the power to transform a destination by funding projects, creating thousands of employment opportunities and boosting international tourism, which is a major source of export revenue for many African countries.
They include Artur Gerber, MD, TUI Blue; Olivier Granet, Managing Partner & CEO, Kasada Capital Management; Fahad Kazim, CEO, Millennium Hotels & Resorts & Lakhraim Group; Haitham Mattar, MD, Middle East, Africa & Southwest Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts; Paul Stevens, COO Middle East & Africa, Accor and many more of a similar calibre.
Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson and CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), said: “The government has implemented the International Tourism Revival Initiative, with key objectives including creating new tourism routes and expanding tourism product offerings, including the establishment of the Namibia Convention Bureau, aimed at branding and promoting Namibia as a MICE destination.
“This has opened up unique investment opportunities that further enhance the attractiveness of Namibia as an investment destination. We are looking forward to showcasing some of these opportunities which hold immense economic potential at AHIF 2024. Our team at NIPDB is always ready to help investors to have a seamless entry and ensure a soft landing in Namibia.”
Matthew Weihs, founder of the AHIF, added: “Namibia’s confirmation that its President will headline the agenda leaves me feeling optimistic about the country’s commitment to its tourism and hospitality sector. His presence not only signals that Namibia values the international hospitality investment community, but it also reinforces everything we have heard from our hosts about wanting to create a thriving visitor economy.”
