Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, is gearing up to host the renowned Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) from 25 – 27 June 2024. AHIF, the leading tourism and hotel investment conference in Africa, attracts a global audience, including prominent hotel owners, investors, financiers, and advisers.
The event will be held at the Mövenpick and Mercure hotels, both of which are undergoing significant renovations after their acquisition in 2021 by Kasada Capital Management, a top-tier real estate private equity platform dedicated to Africa’s hospitality sector. The AHIF event will also mark the grand relaunch of these two properties.
Delegates attending the AHIF will have the unique opportunity to embark on a “safari” the weekend prior. This includes visits to Namibia’s prime hospitality investment projects and iconic tourist attractions, from breathtaking desert landscapes to thrilling safaris featuring endangered wildlife. These trips will serve as both educational excursions and networking opportunities, especially as attendees from AviaDev, Africa’s leading airline route development conference, will also participate.
Namibia’s tourism sector witnessed consistent growth before the COVID-19 pandemic, with visitor numbers increasing by approximately 5% annually. However, the pandemic severely impacted the industry, with a sharp decline in 2020. Fortunately, there has been a significant recovery, with a 98.1% increase in visitors in 2022.
Nangula Uaandja, CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), expressed her enthusiasm: “Hosting AHIF 2024 is not only a triumph for Namibia but a testament to our national potential. We eagerly await the international hospitality investment community to discover our tourism industry’s untapped potential.”
Olivier Granet and David Damiba from Kasada Capital Management shared their pride in partnering with The Bench for AHIF 2024 and highlighted their commitment to enhancing Africa’s hospitality sector.
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, expressed his excitement about AHIF’s debut in a SADC country. He emphasized the importance of networking and exploring new opportunities, which the conference aims to provide.
