Africa’s Hospitality Ecosystem United - A Glimpse into the Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa

The 3rd Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa, held on December 4–5, 2024, at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, presented by GBB Venture, concluded on a high note, setting a new benchmark for innovation, collaboration, and growth in Africa’s burgeoning hospitality sector. With over 350 industry leaders in attendance, including investors, owners, developers, hotel operators, designers, and architects, the summit served as a premier platform to drive impactful discussions and partnerships in a market poised for remarkable growth. 

The two-day event was a showcase of excellence, featuring 46 global and regional sponsors, 28 esteemed speakers sharing valuable industry insights, and 139 buying companies engaged in over 1,000 successful face-to-face meetings. With 1,600 minutes of networking, the summit fostered meaningful connections and collaborations, underscoring its pivotal role in driving transformative opportunities across the African hospitality landscape. 

The summit opened with a keynote address by Ravi Kumar Chandran, Managing Director of GBB Venture, setting the tone for two days of engaging and insightful discussions. Suman Kumar Suneja, MD – Murano then took the stage in an engaging session: Laughter is the Best Medicine. 

Turab Saleem, Partner Head - Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure Advisory – Knight Frank kick started the day with an extremely insightful take on the future of hospitality. The first panel, titled "Investors Speak: In a Global Perspective", was moderated by Turab Saleem of Knight Frank and featured distinguished speakers: as Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President - Middle East & Africa from Minor Hotels, and Nyawira Kariuki, Director of Corporate Services from Janus Continental Group. This session delved into the current investment landscape, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and strategies for maximizing returns in Africa’s booming hospitality sector. 

Justin Wells, Founder & CEO - Wells International was one of the keynote speakers at the summit presenting a rather unusual yet very interesting topic: M0Re - Home un/Blanded. Following this, Hansgrohe and OASE Middle East gave a glimpse of their products. An exciting and exhausting Stretch Session was also conducted by Sarah Zakzouk, Master Trainer – Technogym re-energizing the ballroom. 

The crux of the summit, the much-appreciated signature B2B pre-arranged meetings then were conducted with meticulously pre-matching the business interests of the participants. Decision-making project holders met some of the most renowned and innovative global suppliers at the event and a series of fruitful discussions followed through the 2 days. 

Post this, a standout session, "The Synergy Between Owners and Operators", was moderated by Lee-Anne Singer from HVS. Esteemed panelists included Ajay K. Bakaya, MD - Sarovar Hotels, Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President & Head of Development Middle East, India and Africa - H World International, Shady Hassan, Vice President Development, North Africa - Marriott International, Ahmed El-Halawany, Chief Development Officer – SODIC, Mohamed Shehata, Group CDO - Abu Soma Development Company [Somabay], and Mohamed Abudagher, Executive Director of Hospitality (Owner Representative) - Talaat Moustafa Holding Group and moderator Lee-Anne Singer, Partner – HVS. The panelists shared their experiences in fostering effective partnerships and aligning business objectives to achieve operational excellence. 

The agenda also featured an Exclusive Roundtable for Investors, Developers, and Operators, a highlight of the summit that brought together key stakeholders for a dynamic 90-minute session. Seven distinguished investors shared insights into their companies and regional interests, followed by collaborative discussions. With 24+ developers, 20+ operators, and 6+ consultants participating, the roundtable fostered meaningful connections, facilitated partnerships, and set the stage for transformative growth in Africa's hospitality sector. 

The day concluded with more free-form networking happening over a sumptuous dinner.   

Day 2 began with one of the most anticipated sessions, “The Design Game: Crafting Unique African Hospitality Experiences”, was led by renowned architects and designers. Moderated by Tarek Hegazy, Principal & Creative Director - Living Design, the panel included Ira and Olya Sundukova, Founders - Sundukovy Sisters (S+S) Studio, Dipo Adebo, Senior Partner, Principal Architect & Senior Project Manager - DAA Architects Ltd., Diane Thorsen, Design Principal, Global Hospitality Lead – Gensler, Shadi El Ghoneimi, Partner, Head of Design - El Ghoneimi and Mardre Meyer, Creative Director – Source. Discussions revolved around blending local authenticity with global standards to create distinctive guest experiences. 

Another highlight was the panel on Transforming African Hospitality Through Global Partnerships, which emphasized the importance of collaboration in revolutionizing the industry and driving growth. The panel featured industry leaders such as JS Anand, Founder & CEO – LEVA Hotels, Ezana Kirubel, Owner – Anyana Hospitality, Chike Ogeah, Managing Director - Mac-Folly Hospitality Ltd, Alban Mabille de Poncheville, Head of Business Development - Middle East & Africa - United Hospitality Management, Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO – CityBlue Hotels, and Neale Petersen, Founder & CEO – Real Estate Investor, who also moderated the session. 

The summit's AI-powered matchmaking technology ensured attendees maximized their networking opportunities, seamlessly connecting relevant stakeholders. The summit concluded on a high note, leaving attendees optimistic about Africa’s future in hospitality. By fostering innovation, partnerships, and sustainable growth, the event reaffirmed its position as the leading platform for shaping the trajectory of the African hospitality sector. 

The 3rd Edition Hospitality Innovation Summit Africa offered a unique platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and influence the future of African hospitality. Centered around global partnerships, investment opportunities, and innovation, the summit aimed to accelerate growth and advance the development of the continent’s hospitality industry. With such a bright future ahead for Africa, GBB Venture, also announced their next venture focused on African real estate industry: 18th Real Estate Development Summit Africa on the 8th and 9th of October 2025 in Dubai aptly themed: Africa Rising! 

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