Niël Terblanché
Investors, business leaders, senior government officials, and expert advisors from 41 countries are set to gather in Windhoek from 25 to 27 June 2024 for a landmark event in the hospitality industry—the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF).
The three-day forum, a first for Southern Africa, promises high-level networking, formal business meetings, and in-depth discussions on the latest trends and developments in the hospitality sector.
Months of meticulous planning have culminated in this significant event, spearheaded by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
As the host partner, NIPDB played a pivotal role in securing the bid for Namibia to host AHIF 2024, a notable achievement that highlights the country’s growing prominence on the global stage.
Catherine Shipushu, spokesperson at NIPDB, expressed excitement about the event.
“This prestigious forum represents a milestone for Namibia and offers an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our hospitality and investment potential to a global audience,” she said.
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will officially open the forum on Wednesday, 26 June 2024.
Her presence stresses the government’s commitment to leveraging such events as strategic platforms for driving investment and development within the tourism sector.
Other speakers will include the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola-Ade John, and Uganda’s Minister of Tourism and Antiques, Tom Butime.
The forum is also set to attract senior representatives from major global hospitality brands such as Club Med, Radisson Group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott International.
One of the forum’s key sessions, “Powering Investments into Namibian Hospitality,” will be hosted on the first day by NIPDB in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders.
Moderated by renowned CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg, the session will explore current and emerging investment opportunities in Namibia’s tourism sector.
A private session on Thursday will present carefully curated tourism projects to potential investors and financiers.
This approach aims to attract targeted investments that align with Namibia’s strategic goals for the hospitality sector.
Additionally, seven micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will have the chance to showcase and sell their arts and crafts at the Movenpick Hotel and during a cocktail reception hosted by FNB and RMB Namibia at Droombos.
This initiative reflects NIPDB’s commitment to strengthening local business growth by providing exposure and networking opportunities with global investors.
A notable feature of AHIF 2024 is the “Hospitality Leaders Unplugged: Ask Us Anything” youth masterclass on the forum’s last day.
More than 140 students from 13 higher education institutions across Namibia will have the rare opportunity to engage in a two-hour Q&A session with senior leaders in the hospitality industry.
Institutions such as Namibia University of Science and Technology, Okakarara Vocational Training Centre, International University of Management, and Valombola Vocational Training Centre will be represented.
Shipushu emphasised the significance of hosting AHIF in Namibia and said: “This forum is not only an opportunity to highlight investment prospects but also a platform to stimulate economic activity and establish Namibia as a premier business tourism destination.”
Hosting AHIF 2024 is expected to bring tangible economic benefits, boosting demand for hotel accommodation, transportation, and restaurant services, along with peripheral services such as curio and gifting products.
It also marks a strategic step towards Namibia’s goal of becoming a hub for business tourism, bolstered by the Namibia Convention Bureau’s efforts to brand and promote the country as a leading destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
The NIPDB expressed gratitude to the Namibian entities that contributed as sponsors and partners of AHIF 2024, including O&L Leisure, FNB Namibia, RMB Namibia, De Beers Group, Gondwana Collection Namibia, Frans Indongo Group, Namibia Tourism Board, DB Audio, and Droombos.
Shipushu said their support has been instrumental in ensuring that Namibia can present itself as a top destination at this influential gathering.
