The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) Heads to Cape Town for the First Time in 2025

The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum

The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), widely regarded as Africa’s premier conference for tourism and hospitality investment, is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Cape Town for its 13th edition in 2025. This groundbreaking event, scheduled from 17 to 19 June 2025 at The Westin Cape Town, promises an innovative and dynamic format designed to facilitate fresh partnerships and accelerate deal-making in Africa’s booming hospitality sector – one of the fastest-growing industries globally.

Cape Town: The Ideal Destination for AHIF’s Landmark Event

Cape Town, with its stunning natural landscapes, rich culture, and thriving tourism sector, serves as the perfect setting for AHIF’s annual gathering. Known for its breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, and iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, the city embodies the energy and potential of African hospitality. It’s a fitting choice, especially as South Africa’s hospitality industry is set to grow from USD 1.36 billion in 2024 to USD 1.68 billion by 2029, driven by a post-pandemic resurgence and a steady rise in international visitor numbers.

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, the organiser behind AHIF, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to bring AHIF to Cape Town, a city that embodies the energy and potential of African hospitality. This year’s event will offer invaluable opportunities for delegates to connect with top decision-makers, explore new partnerships, and gain insights from industry leaders. AHIF is where the future of African hospitality is shaped, and we are proud to bring this event to such an inspiring destination.”

A Revolutionary Format for 2025

For its 2025 edition, AHIF is introducing an innovative format that prioritizes networking and tailored insights. The new approach aims to go beyond traditional conference rooms, offering delegates hands-on experiences and access to country pavilions from across Africa. These pavilions will showcase the latest investment opportunities across the continent, providing a unique and interactive platform for attendees to explore new projects and developments.

The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum

One of the standout features of the revamped format includes personalized itineraries, offering tailored sessions and insights based on specific interests. Workshops, roundtable discussions, and focused networking opportunities will ensure delegates leave with actionable insights and strategic connections. This new structure is designed to create an environment where business development happens organically and efficiently, reinforcing AHIF’s reputation as a catalyst for change in Africa’s hospitality industry.

“We believe this new format will enhance the value of the event for all delegates,” Weihs added. “By blending expert-led content with interactive, hands-on experiences, we are providing opportunities that go beyond just discussions – we are facilitating real-world connections and meaningful partnerships that will drive the future of hospitality investment across Africa.”

Unprecedented Growth and Investment in Africa’s Hospitality Sector

The hospitality sector in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, driven by key factors such as urbanization, increased air connectivity, and a burgeoning middle class. This, coupled with a high level of investor interest in untapped markets, is creating a wealth of opportunities for both established players and new entrants to the industry. AHIF has long been at the forefront of these developments, acting as a platform to connect investors, hotel operators, and industry experts to explore new ventures across the continent.

Political economist Daniel Silke highlighted the significance of AHIF in shaping the future of African hospitality: “The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum is taken seriously as an industry-leading event globally. It addresses one of the most intriguing and exciting markets, Africa, where growth rates remain high, and demographic shifts, urbanisation, and an increase in air connectivity are driving substantial interest from hotel groups. AHIF stands out not just for the expert speakers and deep insights, but also for fostering personal connections that are invaluable in this dynamic industry.”

AHIF 2025 will provide insights into Africa’s rapidly evolving tourism landscape, from emerging destinations to established hot spots. With new investments being made across the continent, it will also showcase how businesses can leverage the region's potential to create sustainable, profitable hospitality ventures.

A Catalyst for Action, Insight, and Strategic Partnerships

As AHIF has consistently demonstrated, it is more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for action. By bringing together decision-makers and key influencers from the hospitality, tourism, and investment sectors, AHIF plays a crucial role in shaping Africa’s hospitality future. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in strategic discussions, forge new partnerships, and explore fresh investment opportunities that could define the next phase of the industry’s growth.

With its revitalized format and Cape Town as the backdrop, AHIF 2025 promises to be the definitive event for the African hospitality sector. For industry professionals, investors, and decision-makers eager to get a front-row seat to the future of hospitality in Africa, AHIF remains the place to be.

Join the Conversation at AHIF 2025

Don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to connect with Africa’s hospitality leaders and innovators. For more information or to register for AHIF 2025 in Cape Town, visit the official website at www.AHIF.com.

The future of African hospitality is unfolding in Cape Town – and AHIF 2025 is where it all comes together.