Africa Tourism Investment Conference Unveils

The African Tourism Investment Conference will be held at WTM Africa in CTICC Cape Town on April 10 and brings together some of the most influential figures in mainland tourism investment – ​​announcing its full lineup of speakers.

In 2025, this year’s event will make substantial investments in new hotels, resorts and infrastructure across Africa, and will be the decisive moment for tourism investment. Supported by this momentum, Africa’s momentum is the chief sponsor, strengthening global investors’ confidence in the region’s growth potential.

Industry leaders confirmed attendance, including Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming, Millat Global Holdings CEO Hamza Farooqui, and top financiers from Nedbank and Kasada.

“This is where investors get the key insights they need for African hotel landscape,” said Megan de Jager, RX Africa Portfolio Director. “We are not only talking about investment, but also providing industry leaders with the knowledge to overcome challenges, ensure financing, and make successful, high-impact investments in hotels, resorts and infrastructure.”

Heavyweights in the room

This year’s lineup of speakers reads like an investor’s list of powers. Here are some peeks from speakers:

• Hamza Farooqui (CEO Millat Global Holdings) – Behind the most important hotel investment and acquisition in southern Africa.
• Anthony Leeming (CEO Sun International) – Leading large casinos, entertainment and resort development.
• Chris du Toit (Project Director Tingley Leisure – Club Medicine) – Oversee South Africa’s most exciting new resorts.
• Anabel Bishop (Chief Economist Investec) – Break the economic trend that affects hospitality growth.
• Wayne Godwin (Co-CEO JLL Hotels and Hotels Group) – Key player in promoting global hotel deals in Africa.
• Tim Harris (Chief Executive Officer Helm Growth | Former CEO Wesgro) – Leading voice for creating an attractive investment atmosphere for African travel.
• CEO and Chairman of SMIT (Morocco) – A key figure drives tourism investment and development in Morocco.
• Amos Wekesa- Successful East African entrepreneurs in the hotel, hotel and safari industries have shaped the growth of the regional tourism industry.

“This is a speaker you won’t find in any other African event,” added De Jager. “We’re talking about people who complete the deal from multiple angles.”

“Seeing the impressive speaker program was confirmed at this year’s Africa Tourism Investment Conference, it’s clear that this event means business and should not be missed,” Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said.

“And, as the gateway to Southern Africa and the undisputed event capital of the region – I am glad that these important conversations will take place in our world-class CTICC in the mother city. We have only caught the surface of Africa’s tourism potential and I have no doubt that the conference will transform the industry into a higher gear. I hope all of them have very productive African tourism investment conferences.”

What will be discussed?

The key meeting will focus on what you need to successfully invest in Africa’s tourism industry today. A panel will be resolved How investors evaluate risks and returnsbreak down what financiers are looking for when supporting new projects – from loan terms and equity to the impact of brand operators on financing conditions. Another meeting will focus on The mechanism behind successful transactionswith case studies of those leading the major acquisitions and development of urban hotels and leisure destinations.

One of the most anticipated discussions will explore whether private safari hotels can be scalable investments – beyond boutique passion projects to become structured asset classes that attract institutional funding.

Likewise, there is also a Fireside chat with Club Med on the card, which will provide exclusive insights on how they can build the highly anticipated Tinley Manor project.

With investment in resorts, urban hotels, safaris, mixed-use development projects (and investors’ demand for a variety of assets), the conversation that takes place here will define the next step of capital flow.

“Tourism investment is accelerating,” De Jager said. “If you want real opportunities and real decision makers – you need to be here.”

How to participate

Registration is now open to accredited investors, developers and industry stakeholders. Space is limited.

Ensure your location now: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/conference-programme/tourism-investment-forum-africa.html

date: April 10, 2025
Place: Global Stage, CTICC Cape Town