27 October 2025
08:30–13:00
Held as part of FHS World, this summit aims to enhance economic and tourism partnerships between the UAE and African nations.
This Summit is by invitation only. FHS Pass Delegate holders do not have access, as attendance is being managed directly by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
Under the Patronage of
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai
Brought to you by:
Investment Mapping in the Tourism Sector in Africa
Confirmed Ministers and Government Authorities
Arab Republic of Egypt
- Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
- Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the UAE
- Director General of International Relations and Agreements
- Senior Technical Assistant to the Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities
Republic of Cabo Verde
- Minister of Tourism & Transport
- President of the Board of the Cabo Verde Tourism Institute
- CEO of Cabo Verde Trade Invest
- Advisor to the Minister
Federal Republic of Nigeria
- Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
- Permanent Secretary
- Director of International Tourism Relations & Cooperation
- Special Assistant to the Minister
Republic of Botswana
- Minister of Tourism and Environment
- The Permanent Secretary
- Chief Tourism Officer, Botswana Investment & Trade Center
- CEO of Botswana Tourism Organisation
Republic of Rwanda
- Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the UAE
- Second Counsellor
- Communications and Trade Officer
Republic of Liberia
- Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs & Tourism
- Presidential Special Envoy on Toursim
- Deputy Minister for Cultural Affairs and Toursim
- Director, Bureau of Tourism
- Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia to the UAE
- First Secretary, Embassy of Republic of Liberia
Republic of Senegal
- Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism
- Director of Tourism Promotion
- Direction of Investments and Tourism Developments
- Director of General Administration and Equipment
- Director General of SAPCO
- Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to the UAE
Republic of The Gambia
- Minister of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
- Permanent Secretary
- Director General Gambia Toursim Board
- Director General Gambia Toursim and Hospitality Institute
- Director General National Center for Arts & culure
Republic of Kenya
- Principal secretary, State Department for Tourism
- Head of Tourism Investment and Finance Directorate
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tourism Fund
- CEO, Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels
- Technical Assistant to the Principal Secretary
Kingdom of Morocco
- General Manager of the Tourism Engineering Company
- Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE
Republic of Angola
- Minister of Tourism
- Ambassador of Republic of Angola to the UAE
- First Secretary, Embassy of Republic of Angola
Kingdom of Lesotho
- Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture
Republic of Chad
- Minister of Tourism Development, Culture and Crafts
Republic of Côte d'Ivoire
- Minister of Tourism and Leisure
- Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the UAE
State of Libya
- Ambassador of the State of Libya to the UAE
Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the UAE
- Minister of Tourism
Republic of South Africa
- Charge de Affairs of the Republic of South Africa to the UAE
- Minister of Tourism
- Chairperson - Tourism Business Council of South Africa
- Regional General Manager
- Special Projects in the South African Department of Tourism
- Community Outreach Officer for the Minister of Tourism
Republic of Mauritius
- Minister of Tourism
- Principal Tourism Planning Executive of the Ministry of Tourism
- Advisor on Information Matters of the Hon. Minister
- Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism
Republic of South Sudan
- Diplomat, Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan - Abu Dhabi
Republic of Zimbabwe
- Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Mozambique
- Secretary of State for Tourism
Republic of Madagascar
Why Africa
Africa's tourism and hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, with 577 hotels and resorts in development, totaling 104,444 rooms, a 13.3% year-on-year increase, outpacing global growth. International tourist arrivals reached 74 million in 2024, up 12% from 2023 and 7% above 2019 levels.
Ministry of Economy & Tourism partners with The Bench to host 'UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit' at FHS World 2025
The event will gather 250+ senior officials, investors, and tourism leaders from 53 African nations to drive partnerships and boost investment in hospitality, tourism, and related sectors.
Investment Mapping in the Tourism Sector in Africa
Agenda
08:00 - 09:00
1 hour
Arrival and Registration
09:00 - 09:20
20 minutes
Keynote Speeches
HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri
Minister of Economy and Tourism
United Arab Emirates
HE Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel
Minister of Hotels and Tourism, Republic of Angola
Representing the African Union Presidency
H.E. Rodney M. Sikumba
Minister of Tourism, Republic of Zambia
Representing the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa
09:20 - 09:50
30 minutes
Tourism Driving Growth and Capital
This ministerial panel explores how tourism can be a powerful driver of Africa’s economic transformation. Ministers and regional leaders will discuss how investments in tourism infrastructure, culture, and creative industries can accelerate inclusive growth and unlock new regional value chains.
Speakers
HE Patricia De Lille
Minister of Tourism
Republic of South Africa
Barr․ Hannatu Musa Musawa
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Cheick-Oumar Sylla
Division Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa
IFC
Moderator
Richard Dean
Broadcaster, Journalist, Public speaker
09:50 - 10:05
15 minutes
Keynote Presentation
HE Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais
Secretary-General Elect
UN Tourism
10:10 - 10:40
30 minutes
Capital Meets Culture: Financing Africa’s Tourism Transformation
Leaders from global finance, development, and hospitality will discuss innovative financing models, cross-border partnerships, and infrastructure opportunities that unlock the continent’s potential. The panel highlights how private capital and public collaboration can shape Africa into a leading destination for sustainable tourism and inclusive economic development.
Speakers
Hamza Farooqui
Chief Executive Officer
Millat Global
Liam Findlay
Chief Executive Officer
Miral Destinations
Dr. Senthil Gopinath
Chief Executive Officer, ICCA
Chair, Events Industry Council
Uzoamaka Oshogwe
Managing Director & CEO
Transcorp Hotels
Moderator
Jeremy Maggs
Journalist, Radio Host and Television Presenter
iAfrica
10:40 - 11:00
20 minutes
Networking Break
11:00 - 11:10
10 minutes
Numbers that Matter – Understanding Africa’s Hotel Performance
Philip Wooller
Senior Director, Middle East & Africa
STR, a CoStar Group Company
11:10 - 11:45
35 minutes
Private Sector Leading the Way: Investors and Operators at the Forefront
This panel spotlights the private sector’s pivotal role in shaping the future of African tourism. Leading investors, operators, and hospitality pioneers will share how they are driving growth through innovation, and partnerships that expand access, improve quality, and create value across destinations.
Speakers
Khalid Anib
Chief Executive Officer
Abu Dhabi National Hotels
Neal Jones
Chief Operating Officer – Europe and Africa, EMEA OPR, Global Leader – Design Hotels
Marriott International
Adrian Messerli
President - Hotel Operations, EMEA
Four Seasons
Duncan O'Rourke
Chief Executive Officer, MEA APAC, PM&E
Accor Hotels
Moderator
Daniel Pugh
Partner - Head of Hospitality Valuation & Advisory
Knight Frank MENA
11:45 - 12:20
35 minutes
Scaling Stories: How African Nations Are Redefining Tourism for Growth
Tourism ministers from across Africa share bold national strategies to unlock new destinations and diversify visitor experiences. The discussion will reveal how governments are embracing innovation, partnerships, and cultural storytelling to position Africa as a global tourism powerhouse.
Speakers
HE Amadou BA
Minister of Culture, Handicrafts and Tourism
Republic of Senegal
H.E Siandou Fofana
Minister of Tourism and Leisure
Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
John L. Ololtuaa, CBS
Principal Secretary, State Department for Tourism
Republic of Kenya
H.E. Dr. José Luís Sá Nogueira
Minister of Tourism & Transport
Republic of Cabo Verde
Moderator
Richard Dean
Broadcaster, Journalist, Public speaker
12:20 - 12:30
10 minutes
Closing Remarks
Register Interest for UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit
Please note that this is an invitation-only event for select C-level operators and investors, and registration does not guarantee attendance for all applicants.