- JLL-backed conference draws top dealmakers to decide what gets funded next
Cape Town, 14 March 2025 – The Africa Tourism Investment Conference – taking place on 10 April at WTM Africa at the CTICC Cape Town and bringing together some of the most influential figures in continental tourism investment – has announced its full speaker line-up.
With significant investment directed toward new hotels, resorts, and infrastructure across Africa in 2025 this year’s event is set to be a defining moment for tourism investment. Backing that momentum, JLL Africa has come on board as the lead sponsor, reinforcing global investor confidence in the region’s growth potential.
Industry leaders confirmed to attend include Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming, Millat Global Holdings CEO Hamza Farooqui, and top financiers from Nedbank and Kasada.
“This is where investors gain the critical insights needed to navigate Africa’s hospitality landscape,” says Megan De Jager, RX Africa Portfolio Director. “We’re not just talking about investment—we’re equipping industry leaders with the knowledge to overcome challenges, secure financing, and make successful, high-impact investments in hotels, resorts, and infrastructure.”
The Heavyweights in the Room
This year’s speaker line-up reads like an investors’ power list. Here’s a sneak peek of some of the speakers:
- Hamza Farooqui (CEO Millat Global Holdings) – Behind some of Southern Africa’s most significant hotel investments and acquisitions.
- Anthony Leeming (CEO Sun International) – Leading large-scale casino, entertainment and resort development.
- Chris du Toit (Project Director Tinley Leisure – Club Med) – Overseeing what is South Africa’s most exciting new resort.
- Anabel Bishop (Chief Economist Investec) – Breaking down economic trends influencing hospitality growth.
- Wayne Godwin (Co-CEO JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group) – A key player driving global hospitality deals in Africa.
- Tim Harris (CEO Helm Growth | Former CEO Wesgro) – A leading voice on creating an attractive investment climate for African tourism.
- CEO and Chairman of SMIT (Morocco) – A key figure driving tourism investment and development in Morocco.
- Amos Wekesa – A successful East African entrepreneur in the lodge, hotel, and safari industry, shaping regional tourism growth.
“This is the calibre of speaker you won’t find at any other African event,” adds De Jager. “We’re talking about people who’ve closed the deals from multiple perspectives”
“Seeing the impressive programme of speakers confirmed for this year’s Africa Tourism Investment Conference, it is clear that this event means business and should not be missed,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
“And, as the gateway into Southern Africa – and the region’s undisputed events capital – I am delighted that these important conversations will take place in the Mother City, in our world-class CTICC. We have only scratched the surface of Africa’s tourism potential, and I have no doubt that this conference will shift the sector into a higher gear. I wish all the visiting delegates a very productive Africa Tourism Investment Conference.”
What Will Be Discussed?
Key sessions will focus on what it takes to unlock successful investments in African tourism today. One panel will tackle how investors assess risk versus return, breaking down exactly what financiers look for when backing new projects – from loan terms and equity stakes to branded operators’ impact on financing conditions. Another session will focus on the mechanics behind successful deals, with case studies from those who have led major acquisitions and developments across urban hotels and leisure destinations.
One of the most anticipated discussions will explore whether private safari lodges can become scalable investments – moving beyond boutique passion projects into structured asset classes that attract institutional funding.
Also on the cards is a fireside chat with Club Med that will offer exclusive insights into how they’re structuring their highly anticipated Tinley Manor project.
With investments on the table across resorts, city hotels, safaris, mixed-use developments (and growing investor appetite for diverse assets), the conversations happening here will define where capital flows next.
“Tourism investment is accelerating,” says De Jager. “If you want access to real opportunities – and real decision-makers – you need to be here.”
How to Attend
Registration is now open for accredited investors, developers, and industry stakeholders. Spaces are limited.
Secure your place now: https://www.wtm.com/africa/en-gb/conference-programme/tourism-investment-forum-africa.html
Dates: 10 April 2025
Venue: Global Stage, CTICC Cape Town
