AHIF 2024: Namibia’s Safari & Hotel Investment Spotlight
SUMMARY – NAMIBIA TO HOST AHIF 2024, SHOWCASING TOURISM GROWTH AND NEWLY REFURBISHED HOTELS. IT WILL OFFER DELEGATES A UNIQUE SAFARI EXPERIENCE AND UNRIVALED NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES.
The Africa Hotel Investment Forum is set to make waves in Namibia from June 25 to 27, 2024.
This premier tourism and hotel investment conference will take place at Namibia’s capital city, Windhoek, specifically at the newly refurbished Mövenpick and Mercure hotels. These properties underwent a transformation under the management of Kasada Capital Management. Kasada is a prominent real estate private equity platform dedicated to Africa’s hospitality sector.
Delegates attending AHIF in 2024 can look forward to a unique experience. The weekend preceding the forum will feature inspection trips showcasing Namibia’s top hospitality investment projects and tourism attractions. Participants will witness stunning desert landscapes, engage in thrilling adventure sports, and embark on sensational safaris. That will facilitate visitors to observe wildlife like rhinos, antelope, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, ostriches, and zebras. These trips offer not only educational value but also excellent networking opportunities. Delegates from AviaDev, Africa’s premier airline route development conference, will join in, enhancing the networking potential.
Recovery and Growth in Namibia’s Tourism Sector
Namibia’s tourism sector experienced consistent growth in the seven years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers increased at an annual rate of approximately 5%, rising from just under 1.2 million in 2012 to 1.6 million in 2019. However, the pandemic took a toll on the industry, causing visitor arrivals to plummet to below 200,000 in 2020. Subsequently, the sector rebounded, with a 40% increase in 2021 and a remarkable surge of 98.1% to 461,027 in 2022.
Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson and CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), expressed delight in securing the bid to host AHIF 2024. She emphasized that hosting the forum not only benefits Namibia but also showcases the country’s immense potential. Moreover, Namibia’s commitment to attracting foreign investments can stimulate economic activity and job creation. The government highlights its dedication to maintaining an investor-friendly environment by implementing progressive regulatory frameworks, bolstering the legal system, facilitating easy profit repatriation, and ensuring a fair judiciary.
Kasada Capital Management’s Role
Olivier Granet, Managing Partner and CEO, and David Damiba, Managing Partner and CIO of Kasada Capital Management, expressed pride in partnering with AHIF 2024. They eagerly anticipate welcoming guests to the newly refurbished Mövenpick and Mercure hotels. The hotel refurbishment aligns with their strategy to enhance the hospitality sector in key African cities.
AHIF’s Expansion to SADC Country
Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, the organizer of AHIF, shared the excitement about the event’s move to a SADC (Southern African Development Community) country. He emphasized that investment in Africa thrives on discovering new opportunities, expanding horizons, and building networks. By scheduling AHIF and AviaDev on either side of a weekend in Windhoek and offering diverse inspection trips, the forum aims to provide an enriching experience and unrivaled networking opportunities for all participants.
