FHS Africa 2025 is set to transform Cape Town into a global hub for hospitality leaders, investors, and sustainability pioneers from 17–19 June 2025. This year’s summit promises bold discussions, major investment insights, and a strong focus on reshaping Africa’s tourism future.
The event’s headline speaker, William E. Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor Hotels, will share key lessons from his journey as a global hotel pioneer and explore new opportunities for hotel expansion across Africa. Other high-profile executives such as Guy Hutchinson of Hilton MEA and Haitham Mattar of IHG will examine how global brands are adapting to Africa’s evolving hospitality markets.
Top development figures like Jerome Briet (Marriott), Jean-Baptiste Recher (Accor), and Esteban Lozada (Hilton) will provide a detailed look at pipeline trends and expansion plans shaping the region. With insights from these leading voices, attendees will gain an up-close view of how the continent’s hotel scene is set to evolve.
Investment will take center stage as prominent dealmakers and capital partners share their strategies for identifying growth areas. Speakers include Folaseto Akin-Olugbade of Actis, Olivier Granet and David Damiba of Kasada Capital, and Rahul Chaudhary of CG Corp Global. With billions of dollars in deals already made through past summits, FHS Africa continues to be a powerful catalyst for development.
Hotel operators and developers will also weigh in on operational strategy and sustainability. Notable names like Graham Wood (Sun International), Marcel von Aulock (Southern Sun), and Tony Romer-Lee (Valor Hospitality) will provide practical insights on navigating development challenges while keeping an eye on long-term success.
Environmental issues will feature prominently as well. Conservation leaders such as Dr Morne du Plessis of WWF South Africa and Mark Read, former WWF SA Chairman, will highlight how tourism can support ecological efforts. They’ll be joined by field experts like Brooke Friswold of Bring The Elephant Home and Joe Pietersen of Nkombe Rhino to explore the impact of responsible tourism.
FHS Africa 2025 will also welcome tourism consultants, developers, tech innovators, and thought leaders from across the continent, including Gillian Saunders, Kevin Teeroovengadum, Thami Nkadimeng, and Bani Haddad.
The event’s networking opportunities will include speed meetings, exclusive investor councils, and site visits to Cape Town’s emerging hospitality projects. A community charity run will also give attendees a chance to connect in a relaxed setting while supporting local causes.
Matthew Weihs, Commercial Director at The Bench, which organizes the event, said: “We’re incredibly proud to bring FHS Africa to Cape Town for the first time. It’s a city that represents innovation, diversity, and growth.”
With over $4 billion in hospitality deals signed since its inception, FHS Africa 2025 aims to push Africa’s tourism industry into its next growth phase—right from the heart of Cape Town.
