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31 March - 1 April 2026
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, Kenya
2026 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.
FHS Africa 2026 Agenda
Summit Stage
The Summit Stage serves as the conference's central hub, hosting all keynote presentations and pivotal panel discussions. It is designed to bring together industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators in one space, fostering meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. Attendees can expect high-level insights into global and regional hospitality trends, strategic investment opportunities, and emerging market dynamics.
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.
FILTER AGENDA
Monday 30 March
18:30 - 21:30 3 hours
Welcome Reception at KOFISI Kaskazi
Kick off FHS Africa with sunset drinks and networking at one of Nairobi's dynamic business hubs culminating in an immersive experience in their art gallery overlooking the Karura forest.
Tuesday 31 March
08:00 - 09:00 1 hour
Registration
09:00 - 10:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Investor's Council ( by Invitation Only )
09:00 - 09:15 15 minutes
From First Timers to Power Players : Making the Most of FHS Africa
Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
The Bench
09:15 - 10:00 45 minutes
Knowledge Station - First Floor - Elgon 1
Speed Networking
10:00 - 10:30 30 minutes
Exhibition Room
Coffee Break
10:30 - 10:40 10 minutes
Summit Stage
Welcome Remarks
Matthew Weihs
Managing Director
The Bench
Roy Bannister
Head of Strategic Partnerships: Africa
The Bench
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
Thami Nkadimeng Group
10:40 - 11:00 20 minutes
Summit Stage
New World, New Rules: Africa at the Crossroads of Global Shifts
Ronak Gopaldas
Director, Signal Risk
Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics
11:00 - 11:30 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Global Geopolitics, Local Impact: What Today’s Shifts Mean for Hospitality Investment in Africa
Moderator
Dr․ Aradhana Khowala
Founder & CEO
Aptamind Partners
In conversation with
Ronak Gopaldas
Director, Signal Risk
Visiting Fellow, London School of Economics
Ewan Cameron
Director, Africa
Westmont Hospitality Group
David Damiba
Managing Partner & Co-CEO
Kasada Capital Management
11:30 - 11:45 15 minutes
Summit Stage
A New Platform for Progress: Africa Hospitality Investor's Council
Ufi Ibrahim
Chief Executive Officer
Energy & environment Alliance
Olivier Granet
Managing Partner | Co-Chief Executive Officer
Kasada Capital Management
11:45 - 12:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
From Capital Markets to Ownership Models: De-Risking and Scaling Hospitality Investment in Africa
Bevin Ngara
Managing Director
Eagle Asset Management Company
Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Global
Rahul Chaudhary
Managing Director & CEO
CG Corp Global
Jeremy Maggs
Journalist, Radio Host and Television Presenter
iAfrica
12:15 - 12:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Decoding the Data: What the Numbers Say About the Next Chapter in Hospitality
Philip Wooller
Senior Director, Middle East & Africa
STR, a CoStar Group Company
12:30 - 12:50 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Show, Don't Tell : Real Strategies, Real Challenges, Real Returns
Moderator
Mark Dunford
Chief Executive Officer
Knight Frank Kenya
In conversation with
Bani Haddad
Founder & Co-CEO
Aleph Hospitality
Julien Renaud
Chief Executive Officer
ONOMO Hotels
12:50 - 13:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS Award: Outstanding Contribution to Africa
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor
CBS News
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Exhibition Room
Networking Luncheon
14:00 - 14:20 20 minutes
Summit Stage
From Paper to Progress: Pipeline Insights
Trevor Ward
Managing Director
W Hospitality Group
14:20 - 14:50 30 minutes
Summit Stage
From Signing to Opening: The Only Metric That Matters in Development
Clemence Lormand
Corporate Director of Development
Rotana Hotel Management Corporation
14:50 - 15:10 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Bridging the Gap: Innovative Financing Solutions for Hospitality Development
Moderator
Simon Ardonceau
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
AIRE
In conversation with
Marcson Baker
Investment Manager
KFW-DEG
Kei Tamaki
Investment Officer
International Finance Corporation
15:15 - 15:30 15 minutes
Summit Stage
Risk, Returns & Reality: Financing and Delivering Hotels in Emerging Markets
15:30 - 15:55 25 minutes
Summit Stage
Capital Flows into African Hospitality : Who's Investing and Why Now
Jameel Verjee
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
CityBlue Hotels ( a member of The Diar Group)
Jonathan Jackson
Founder
Lordship Group
Suhail Ashok Bhatia
Director - Asset Management
Compagnie Hoteliere et Immobiliere du Congo (CHIC)
15:55 - 16:10 15 minutes
Summit Stage
How can Africa lead tourism without becoming its playground?
Dr․ Aradhana Khowala
Founder & CEO
Aptamind Partners
16:10 - 16:40 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Coastal Reset: Redefining Coastal Development for the Long Term
Gary Greene
Principal
GGD
David Vely
Vice President Development & Asset Middle East and Africa
Club Med
Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts
16:40 - 17:00 20 minutes
Exhibition Room
Coffee Break
17:00 - 18:00 1 hour
Knowledge Station - First Floor - Elgon 1
Raising Capital in Hospitality: DFI Expectations and Requirements to Fund Hospitality Deals
Kei Tamaki
Investment Officer
International Finance Corporation
17:00 - 17:25 25 minutes
Pioneer Camp - First Floor - Elgon 2
Data-Driven Investment Decisions: A Live, Technology-Enabled Highest and Best Use Analysis
Simon Ardonceau
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
AIRE
17:00 - 18:00 1 hour
Showcase Den - First Floor - Elgon 3
Country Spotlight: Unveiling Potential through Projects
17:25 - 18:00 35 minutes
Pioneer Camp - First Floor - Elgon 2
AI in Action : Practical Tools to Boost Efficiency, Service & Profit in Hospitality Operations
Frank Wagner
General Manager
Advanced Computer Technology (ACT)
18:00 - 22:00 4 hours
Gala Reception hosted by Westmont Hospitality Group – Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill
Join 500+ hospitality leaders on the terrace for an unforgettable evening of alfresco dining, panoramic city views, and deal-making under the Nairobi sky.
Wednesday 01 April
07:30 - 08:30 1 hour
Charity Run
09:00 - 10:30 1 hour 30 minutes
Executive Investor Breakfast & Project Showcase
09:30 - 10:30 1 hour
Knowledge Station - First Floor - Elgon 1
From Fear to Feasibility : A Market-Entry Playbook for Africa
Safiyya Akoojee
Director
Thomson Wilks Inc․
09:30 - 10:30 1 hour
Pioneer Camp - First Floor - Elgon 2
Charting Franchise Growth: A Franchise Development Workshop for Africa
Neil George
Partner & Co-CEO
Aleph Hospitality
Trevor Ward
Managing Director
W Hospitality Group
09:30 - 10:30 1 hour
Showcase Den - First Floor - Elgon 3
From Founder-Led to Investor-Backed: Structuring Governance for Growth
Wanja Michuki
Family Enterprise Coach, Consultant, Advisor
Be Bold Consulting & Advisory Ltd․
Mujahid Pasha
Director of Development - Middle East & Africa
BWH Hotels
10:30 - 11:00 30 minutes
Exhibition Room
Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:25 25 minutes
Summit Stage
From Perception to Capital: How Nation Branding Drives Investment
Moderator
David Keen
Founder & CEO
QUO
In conversation with
Juliana Kagwa
Chief Executive Officer
Uganda Tourism Board
Monali Shah
Vice Chair, Repositioning Kenya Brand Taskforce
Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, Kenya
11:25 - 11:45 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Rooted in Heritage: How Local Cultures Shape the DNA of African Hospitality Brands
Mita Vohra
Sales and Marketing Director
Sarova Hotels
Vimbai Masiyiwa
Co-Founder & CEO
Batoka Africa
11:45 - 12:15 30 minutes
Summit Stage
No Community, No Investment: The Bankability Test for Africa’s Wildlife Tourism
Moderator
Sisa Ntshona
Director
Living Lands Initiative (LLI)
In conversation with
Rosco Wendover
Chief Executive Office
Angama Group
Eric Buthelezi
Founder & Chairman
EMcakwini Community Trust
Alfred Mwanake
Chief Executive Officer
Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association
Hapiloe Sello
Chief Operating Officer
South African National Parks
12:15 - 12:35 20 minutes
Summit Stage
Remote, Resilient, Profitable : Self-Sustaining Hospitality Models
Moderator
Judy Kepher Gona
Founder & Sustainability Systems Architect
Sustainable Travel & Tourism Africa
In conversation with
Ashish Sharma
Chief Executive Officer
Serena Hotels Africa
Mary-Ann Musangi
Managing Director
Haco Industries Kenya Limited
12:35 - 12:50 15 minutes
Summit Stage
The future of work is experiential: How hospitality-led environments drive performance, loyalty and profit
Michael Aldridge
CEO & Founder
KOFISI
12:50 - 13:05 15 minutes
Summit Stage
FHS Africa Award - Leadership
13:00 - 14:00 1 hour
Exhibition Room
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 14:15 15 minutes
Emotion, Place, Experience: The Next Era of Leisure Hospitality
Artur Gerber
Chief Executive Officer
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts
14:15 - 14:45 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Luxury Resort & Lodge Feasibility in Africa: Getting the Fundamentals Right
Jean- Baptiste Recher
Chief Development Officer Luxury Brands, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye
Accor
14:45 - 15:00 15 minutes
Summit Stage
TenX Leadership Talk
15:00 - 15:20 20 minutes
100 Hotels, One Continent: Structuring Scalable Hospitality Growth in Africa
Aniket Manoj Shroff
CEO & Owner
Niti Group - La Maison Royale
Tobias Reinecke
Head of Investments & Development EMEA
Choice Hotels International
Thami Nkadimeng
The Message Architect
Thami Nkadimeng Group
15:20 - 15:50 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Hotel Operating Structures Decoded: Franchise, Management and Lease in Practice
Tom Stevens
Chief Operating Officer - Hotel Operations
The First Group Hospitality
Scott Antel
Partner & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE
Wytze Van Den Berg
Vice President International Operations
BWH Hotels
15:50 - 16:15 25 minutes
Summit Stage
From Homes to Hospitality: Short-Term Rentals in Africa's Hospitality Economy
Mutheu Muna-Mwaniki
Director - Legal & Projects
Trianum Hospitality
Linda Bekoe
Founder & CEO
About Partners Luxury Brands Collection
16:00 - 16:30 30 minutes
Exhibition Room
Coffee Break
16:30 - 18:00 1 hour 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Pathways for Future Leaders : Insights from Hospitality's Best
16:30 - 17:00 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Climbing the Hotel Leadership Ladder: Roles, Rotations and Readiness for GM Level
16:30 - 17:30 1 hour
Knowledge Station - First Floor - Elgon 1
Capital Allocation 2026–2028: A Market-by-Market Investment Outlook
16:30 - 17:30 1 hour
Pioneer Camp - First Floor - Elgon 2
The Branded Residence Masterclass
Oussama El Kadiri
Partner - Head of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Advisory
Knight Frank
Scott Antel
Partner & Owner
Scotts FZ LLE
17:00 - 17:30 30 minutes
Summit Stage
Panel Discussion: Career Journeys & Lessons from the Industry
Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Global
Ashish Sharma
Chief Executive Officer
Serena Hotels Africa
Wesam Okasha
Head of Global Development
TUI BLUE Hotels & Resorts
17:00 - 18:00 1 hour
Showcase Den - First Floor - Elgon 3
Country Spotlight: Unveiling Potential through Projects
18:30 - 22:00 3 hours 30 minutes
After-Party hosted by Aleph Hospitality – Alloy Bar & Lounge
For those who want to keep the conversations going, Aleph invites you to Nairobi's premier entertainment destination featuring live music, an impressive spirits collection and the city's most sophisticated cigar and whiskey bar.