Hospitality Leaders Gather at African Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) 2023 to Address Supply Chain Challenges
SUMMMARY – HOSPITALITY LEADERS CONVENE AT AHIF 2023 IN NAIROBI TO TACKLE SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES AND EXPLORE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AFRICAN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. WITH A FOCUS ON REGIONAL COOPERATION, TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION, AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ACFTA, THE SECTOR IS POISED FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE.
Nairobi, Kenya, June 14, 2023 – African hospitality leaders have convened in Nairobi for the annual African Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) to discuss growth opportunities and tackle supply chain challenges facing the industry. Toggle Market’s CEO, Fuad Sajdi, and VP of Africa, Abraham Muthogo Kamau, are leading discussions on local and regional sourcing and innovative cost-saving measures.
As the African hospitality sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by trade measures, technological advancements, and visionary leaders. These forces are challenging traditional approaches and reshaping the landscape.
Promising Signs of Change Discussed at AHIF
As per the analysis at AHIF, supply chain challenges have long hindered economic growth in Africa, with businesses paying inflated prices for imported goods. However, positive developments are underway. The African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), the world’s largest free trade area, aims to boost intra-African trade by reducing barriers and facilitating the movement of goods and services across borders.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted Africa’s heavy reliance on suppliers from distant countries. These countries include China, European Union nations, the United States, and India. Intra-African trade remains low at 15.2%, compared to higher figures in America, Asia, and Europe. Multiple trade restrictions and restrictive borders contribute to this disparity.
Efforts toward regional cooperation are increasing, with East African nations leading the way. Various alliances, such as the East Africa Business Council, the East African Chamber of Commerce and Trade, and the East African Association, are promoting collaboration in both the public and private sectors.
READ: Bright Future For Africa’s Hospitality Sector Beckons
The Role of Technology in Economic Prosperity
A knowledge-based economy and technological advancements play a vital role in Africa’s economic transformation. Neglecting high knowledge-intensive services, such as information and communications technology and financial services, would hinder export diversification. However, Regional integration has resulted in the emergence of African hotel chains expanding beyond national borders. Intra-African travel has increased, accounting for 40% of hotel guests in 2022. This growth is attributed to eased travel restrictions and the rise of African hotel brands.
Moreover, Technology is revolutionizing the hospitality experience, from reservation systems to AI-driven customer service and mobile apps. At AHIF, leaders discuss that digitization enhances efficiency and sustainability, with hotels experiencing energy efficiency and water usage reductions.
A Bright Future for African Hospitality
Despite Africa’s current 5% share of worldwide tourism, the industry is growing rapidly. Domestic tourism is on the rise, driven by middle-class families and younger travelers opting for local and regional travel. The adoption of trade facilitations and digital supply chain management systems has led to more streamlined processes and responsive supply chains.
As intra-African trade flourishes and technology continues to evolve, the African hospitality sector is poised for an exciting future. Ambitious and tech-savvy leaders are driving change, ushering in a new era of innovation and growth. The AHIF 2023 is a testament to the industry’s commitment to shaping the African hospitality landscape and seizing investment opportunities.
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