The next edition of Africa’s premier conference for tourism and hospitality investment, Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), will be held at Cape Town in South Africa.

In a press statement, the Bench, which is the organiser of the forum, says that AHIF 2025 will take place from June 17 to 19 at The Westin Cape Town. The statement adds that AHIF 2025 will introduce an innovative, dynamic format aimed at fostering new partnerships and facilitating deals within Africa’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector – one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

The statement adds that Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant visitor economy, provides the perfect backdrop for AHIF’s annual gathering. Moreover, the South African hospitality industry is projected to grow from USD 1.36 billion in 2024 to USD 1.68 billion by 2029, driven by increasing traveler numbers and a resurgence post-Covid-19 pandemic.

Matthew Weihs

“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. By offering delegates the chance to explore Cape Town, we are adding a unique layer of value to their participation. The connections made and the insights gained from these hands-on experiences will be invaluable as we work together to drive investment and development across Africa,” says Matthew Weihs, Managing Director, the Bench.

According to the statement, the new format, which is focused on networking and tailored insights, has been carefully designed to go beyond the conference rooms, introducing country pavilions from across Africa to showcase the latest opportunities in the region to investors. The advantages of the new format include personalised itineraries, hands-on workshops, roundtables, enhanced networking, and insights on economic trends. Focused on C-level hospitality and tourism investment decision-makers, AHIF says it continues to be exclusively focused on those who are shaping the future of hospitality in Africa.

Daniel Silke

“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,” says Daniel Silke, political economist, on the potential impact of AHIF.