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2025 Agenda

For FHS Africa, our objective is to enhance networking opportunities by introducing innovative and engaging formats that foster meaningful connections among delegates. The program is carefully designed to encourage greater interaction between attendees and speakers, ensuring valuable discussions and insights in different rooms at the Westin.

Additionally, the most critical topics will be presented in a traditional conference format on Day 2 (18/02) at Boma Talks, held at the CCITC, providing a dedicated platform for in-depth discussions and thought leadership.

Knowledge Station

A dedicated space for learning and inspiration, the Knowledge Station offers engaging workshops, in-depth case studies, and expert presentations. Designed to address key focus topics from the conference, this hub provides valuable insights and practical knowledge for attendees seeking deeper understanding and expertise.

Showcase Den

A dynamic platform for exploring investment opportunities, the Showcase Den highlights key destinations, country spotlights, and new project pitches. Designed to connect delegates with potential investments, this space offers valuable insights into emerging markets and groundbreaking developments in the industry.

Pioneer Camp

A collaborative space designed for in-depth discussions, the Pioneer Camp caters to the demand for smaller, longer conversations between delegates and experts. Through interactive roundtables, this hub fosters meaningful dialogue, tackles critical challenges, and develops practical solutions for the industry's future.

Boma Talks:

The term “boma“ originates from Swahili, meaning an enclosure or fortification, and has evolved to signify a communal gathering place. Serving as the conference's main stage, Boma Talks will host all keynote presentations and pivotal panel discussions, providing a central platform for sharing insights and fostering dialogue among attendees.

Agenda at a glance

Tuesday 17 June

11:00 - 14:00 3 hours

Registration Open & Networking Lunch

14:00 - 14:10 10 minutes
Knowledge Station

Welcome to FHS Africa 2025

14:10 - 14:30 20 minutes
Knowledge Station

Newcomers Welcome

14:30 - 16:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den

Investor Council - Closed Door Session

14:30 - 15:15 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

Top 10 things to know about investing in Hospitality in Africa:
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes

15:00 - 16:00 1 hour
Pioneer Camp

Women Who Lead:
Networking & Investment in Hospitality

15:15 - 16:00 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

Unpacking the Models:
Franchise, Manchise, and Management Agreements Demystified

16:00 - 16:20 20 minutes
Knowledge Station

Debate:
Are Big Brands Innovators or Imitators? The Battle for Hospitality’s Future

16:20 - 17:00 40 minutes
Knowledge Station

Heritage Wealth Meets New Frontiers:
What’s Drawing Legacy Investors to Africa?

17:00 - 18:00 1 hour

Speed Networking

Wednesday 18 June

08:00 - 09:00 1 hour
Boma Talks

Registration of CCTIC & Morning Coffee

09:00 - 09:15 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Welcome Remarks

09:15 - 09:30 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Risk & Resilience:
How Global Economic Shifts Are Shaping Africa’s Hospitality Industry

09:30 - 09:50 20 minutes
Boma Talks

Setting the Scene for Destination & Hotel Development in Africa

09:50 - 10:15 25 minutes
Boma Talks

Hospitality in Africa:
A High-Risk, High-Reward Investment?

10:15 - 10:45 30 minutes
Boma Talks

From City Skylines to Safari Sanctuaries:
Why Global Operators Are Entering the Lodge Market

10:45 - 11:00 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Fireside Chat:
Rethinking Conservation for a Sustainable Future

11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Coffee Break

11:30 - 11:45 15 minutes
Boma Talks

Pipeline Watch:
Investment Hotspots & the Future of Hospitality Expansion in Africa

11:45 - 12:15 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Closing the Gap:
Boosting Conversion from Hotel Signings to Openings in Africa

12:15 - 12:45 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Is Africa’s Hospitality Industry Growing Fast Enough to Meet Demand?

12:45 - 13:15 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Hospitality Financing in Africa:
Key Lenders and Investment Structures Explained

13:15 - 13:45 30 minutes
Boma Talks

Preserving Africa’s Biodiversity:
Hospitality’s Role in Conservation Tourism

13:45 - 14:00 15 minutes
Boma Talks

FHS Africa Awards

14:00 - 15:00 1 hour

Networking Lunch at the Westin Hotel

14:30 - 17:00 2 hours 30 minutes
Net Positive Solution Labs

Net Positive Solution Labs powered by World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

15:00 - 16:00 1 hour
Knowledge Station

Securing Funding for Hospitality Ventures:
Mastering the Art of the Pitch

15:00 - 16:00 1 hour
Pioneer Camp

Clearing the Runway:
What needs to change to improve Tourism and Investment Opportunities

15:00 - 16:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Showcase Den

Investment Hotspots:
How Top African Governments Are Attracting Investors

15:30 - 16:30 1 hour
Showcase Den

Country Spotlight:
Unveiling Potential through Projects

16:00 - 16:45 45 minutes
Pioneer Camp

The Cost of being Green:
Adapting Global Standards to Local Contexts

16:00 - 16:45 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

Unlocking Capital:
Diverse Funding Sources for Hotel Projects

16:30 - 17:30 1 hour
Showcase Den

Country Spotlight:
Unveiling Potential through Projects

16:45 - 17:00 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

Banking on Hospitality:
Which banks are investing?

16:45 - 17:30 45 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Conservation as Big Business:
The Private Sector's Impact on Africa’s Wildlife and Lands

17:00 - 17:30 30 minutes
Knowledge Station

Case Studies:
Two Continents, One Industry: Hospitality Challenges & Opportunities in Africa & South America

17:00 - 18:00 1 hour

Speed Networking

Thursday 19 June

07:30 - 08:30 1 hour

Charity Run

09:00 - 10:00 1 hour

Morning Networking Coffee

10:00 - 10:45 45 minutes
Pioneer Camp

What are the Key Success Factors in Integrating Hospitality, Retail, and Residential Components?

10:00 - 10:15 15 minutes
Showcase Den

Trend Report:
Wellness Tourism

10:00 - 10:15 15 minutes
Knowledge Station

How AI and innovative financial models can drive sustainable tourism investment and development in Africa

10:00 - 13:00 3 hours
Net Positive Solution Labs

Net Positive Solution Labs powered by World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance

10:15 - 10:30 15 minutes
Showcase Den

A Conversation with Ethiopia’s Wellness Pioneer:
Bridging Tradition and Innovation

10:15 - 11:00 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

How is Technology Transforming Hospitality Operations?

10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Showcase Den

The Battle of F&B vs. Wellness:
Which Drives More Profit for Owners?

10:45 - 11:15 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Debate:
Are Mixed Used Properties still Relevant? Co-Living Space vs. Single Used Properties

11:00 - 11:45 45 minutes
Knowledge Station

Crash Course:
Balancing Occupancy and Rate: The Art of Revenue Optimization in African Hotels

11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Knowledge Station

Ongoing Coffee Break

11:15 - 11:45 30 minutes
Pioneer Camp

Unveiling Market Trends:
Insights into Branded Residences in Africa

11:30 - 12:00 30 minutes
Showcase Den

Next-Gen Travelers:
What They Want and How to Deliver It

11:45 - 12:20 35 minutes
Knowledge Station

Is Africa Overestimating Its Hospitality Workforce Readiness? A Deep Dive into the Skills Gap

12:20 - 13:00 40 minutes
Knowledge Station

Workshop:
Strategies for a Motivated and Loyal Workforce

14:00 - 16:00 2 hours

Student Session

14:00 - 16:00 2 hours

Offsite Visits