Africa Tourism Investment Conference at WTM Africa reveals full speaker line-up

SOUTH AFRICA – The Africa Tourism Investment Conference, set for April 10 at WTM Africa at the CTICC Cape Town, has unveiled its full speaker line-up, featuring some of the most influential leaders in continental tourism investment.

The 2025 Africa Tourism Investment Conference is set to be a pivotal moment for the industry, with substantial investment flowing into new hotels, resorts, and infrastructure across the continent.

This year’s event gains further momentum with JLL Africa joining as the lead sponsor, reinforcing global investor confidence in Africa’s hospitality sector.

Industry heavyweights

This year’s speaker lineup features key figures driving hospitality investment and development across Africa.

Hamza Farooqui, CEO of Millat Global Holdings, has led major hotel acquisitions in Southern Africa, while Sun International’s CEO, Anthony Leeming, has been at the forefront of large-scale casino, entertainment, and resort projects.

Chris du Toit, Project Director of Tinley Leisure, Club Med, is overseeing one of South Africa’s most anticipated resort developments, while Investec’s Chief Economist, Anabel Bishop, is expected to provide an analysis of economic trends shaping the sector.

Other key speakers include Wayne Godwin, Co-CEO of JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group; Tim Harris, CEO of Helm Growth; the CEO and Chairman of SMIT Morocco; and East African hospitality entrepreneur Amos Wekesa.

De Jager noted that the lineup featured high-caliber speakers not typically found at other African events, emphasizing their extensive experience in closing major deals and shaping the industry from various perspectives.

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis echoed this sentiment, stating that the impressive lineup underscored the significance of the conference and its importance for industry professionals.

Key discussions will explore crucial investment considerations in African tourism, including risk versus return assessment and the factors financiers evaluate when backing new projects.

Panels will examine loan terms, equity stakes, and the impact of branded operators on financing conditions.

Another session will provide insights into the mechanics of successful deals, showcasing major acquisitions and developments in urban hotels and leisure destinations.

One of the most anticipated discussions will focus on the scalability of private safari lodges, assessing whether they can transition beyond boutique passion projects into structured asset classes that attract institutional investment.

Additionally, a fireside chat with Club Med will offer insights into the structuring of their highly anticipated Tinley Manor project.

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