The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), the continent’s leading conference for tourism and hospitality investment, is set to take place in Cape Town from 17 to 19 June 2025 at The Westin Cape Town. This year, AHIF will unveil an innovative and dynamic format designed to foster new partnerships and facilitate deals within Africa’s rapidly expanding hospitality market—one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.
Cape Town, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and thriving visitor economy, serves as the ideal backdrop for this annual gathering. The South African hospitality industry is projected to grow from USD 1.36 billion in 2024 to USD 1.68 billion by 2029, driven by an increase in traveler numbers and a resurgence following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, which organizes AHIF, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to bring AHIF to Cape Town, a city that embodies the energy and potential of African hospitality. This year’s event will offer invaluable opportunities for delegates to connect with top decision-makers, explore new partnerships, and gain insights from industry leaders. AHIF is where the future of African hospitality is shaped. By offering delegates the chance to explore Cape Town, we are adding a unique layer of value to their participation. The connections made and the insights gained from these hands-on experiences will be invaluable as we work together to drive investment and development across Africa.”
The revamped format emphasizes networking and tailored insights, moving beyond traditional conference settings. It will feature country pavilions from across Africa, showcasing the latest investment opportunities in the region. Key advantages of this new approach include:
- Personalised itineraries
- Hands-on workshops
- Roundtable discussions
- Enhanced networking opportunities
- Insights on economic trends
AHIF remains focused on C-level decision-makers in hospitality and tourism investment, ensuring that it caters exclusively to those shaping the future of Africa’s hospitality landscape.
Political economist Daniel Silke highlighted AHIF’s significance: “The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum is taken seriously as an industry-leading event globally. It addresses one of the most intriguing and exciting markets, Africa, where growth rates remain high, and demographic shifts, urbanisation, and an increase in air connectivity are driving substantial interest from hotel groups. AHIF stands out not just for the expert speakers and deep insights but also for fostering personal connections that are invaluable in this dynamic industry.”
As opportunities in Africa’s hospitality sector continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, AHIF serves not merely as a meeting point but as a catalyst for action, insight, and strategic partnerships that are shaping the future of hospitality on the continent.
