speakers

2023 speakers

The event will host over thirty (30) world-renowned global industry experts, speakers, business leaders, ministers, policy makers, and over three hundred (300) delegates from over thirty (30) countries. These will include:

His Hon. The Vice President

Mr Slumber Tsogwane

H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili

H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili

Secretary General, UNWTO, Spain

H.E. Wamkele Mene

Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana

H.E. Elias M. Magosi

SADC Executive Secretary

Hon. Philda Nani Kereng

Minister of Environment & Tourism, Botswana

Hon. Tumiso MacDonald Rakgare

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Botswana

Patricia de Lille

Minister of Tourism, MP, South Africa

Hon. Mmusi Kgafela

Minister of Trade & Industry, MP of Mochudi West Constituency, Botswana

Hon. Heather Mwiza Sibungo

Deputy Minister, Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia

Boikanyo Osego Ntwaagae

Director Commercial, Air Botswana, Botswana

Elcia Grandcourt

elcia grandcourt

Director, Africa Department UNWTO, Spain

Senthil Gopinath

CEO - International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Netherlands

Hon. Babara Rowdzi

Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism & Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe

Emily Mburu-Ndoria

Director, Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade AFCFTA Secretariat

Derek Hanekom

Chairperson, South African Airways, South Africa

Thabo P. Thamane

Chief Executive Officer, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), Botswana

Frank Mustaff

Leading the German office of Horwath HTL

Moseketsi Mpeta

Head of Tourism & Services, Industrial Development Corporation, South Africa

Petra Pereyra

EU Ambassador to Botswana and SADC

Evelyne Freiermuth

Director of Government Affairs, World Travel & Tourism Council, United Kingdom

Hamza Farooqui

CEO, Millat Investments, South Africa

Jon Danks

Chief Executive Officer, ATTA®, United Kingdom

Robyn Williams

Senior Vice President, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, South Africa

Desire Loumou

Head of Division, Intellectual Property Rights, AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra - Ghana

Dr Kamilla Swart

Director, Sport & Entertainment Management, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar

Natalia Bayona

Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain

Francisco Gómez Durán

Head of the Culture Unit, UNESCO's Regional Office for Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

Wambugu Wa Gichohi

Franchise Consultant & Expert, Africa Franchising Accelerator Project 2021-2025, Tanzania

Keith Vincent

Chief Executive Officer, Wilderness Holdings

Boipelo Tladinyane

African Solo Traveller and Author, South Africa

Devota Mdachi

Lecturer, Ag. Head Of Events Department, National College of Tourism, Tanzania

Dan D’Souza

Senior Manager, Intrapreneurship, United Kingdom

Thabo Seshoka

Senior Manager: Heritage Assets and Preservation, Transnet SOC Ltd, South Africa

Susan Akon Akporiaye

President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies

Bernadine Galliver

Vice President: Tourism Advisory, JLL and Head of Tourism Advisory for Africa, South Africa

Jean Byamugisha

EO, Uganda Hotel Owners Association, Uganda

Ms. Wincey Ramaphoi

Chairperson, Botswana Tourism Organization

Kwakye Donkor

CEO, Africa Tourism Partners, South Africa

Gloria Kisilu

CEO, The Shaba, Kenya

Miller Matola

CEO, Millvest Advisory, South Africa

Keitumetse Setlang

Acting CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation, Botswana

Bokani Mathape

Founder & President: Women In Tourism Botswana

Mokwena Morulane

Managing Director, Cresta Marakanelo Ltd, Botswana

Susan Ongalo

Chief Executive, Kenya Tourism Federation, Kenya

Sebulon Chiliho Chicalu

Director of Tourism and Gaming in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia

Jabulani Debedu

Principal Consultant, BDO Advisory Services, South Africa

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

CEO - Tourism Business Council
of South Africa

Christelle Grohmann

Christelle Grohmann

Director, BDO, South Africa

Didier Scaillet

CEO, Site and the SITE Foundation, Belgium

Esmaré Steinhöfel

Regional Director, Africa - International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), South Africa

Jerry Mabena

CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group, South Africa

Barry Clemens

Group Chief Executive Officer - Hospitality EQ

Zaim Muhammad

Travel & Tourism Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Joe Motse

Chairperson, Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana, Botswana

Mikul Shah

Co-founder, Purple Elephant Ventures, Kenya

Gobusamang Keebine

Managing Director, Inter Cargo Services (Pty) Ltd, ICS Travel and Tours, & ICS Aviation (Pty) Ltd, Botswana

Winnie Muchanyuka

CEO,
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

Didier Dogley

Founder & Director of Inspire Tomorrow Consulting, Seychelles

Glenton De Kock

CEO, Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), South Africa

Kennedy Agyapong

Chief Operating Officer, Culture Management Group, Ghana

Lily Rakorong

CEO, Hospitality & Tourism Association of Botswana, Botswana

Agnes Mucuha

EO, Kenya Association of Travel Agents, Kenya

Samantha Muna

Co-founder, Group MD & Business Development Leader, Trainum Hospitality, Kenya

Lee-Anne Bac

Director, BDO Advisory Services, South Africa

Jeanette Moloto

Director: Global Sales South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa & West Africa Marriott International Regional Office, South Africa

Sandile Chipunza

Manager – External Affairs & Sustainability - Africa, IATA, South Africa

Ridhwaan Suliman

Senior Researcher, Information and Cyber Security Centre, CSIR, University of Johannesburg, NITheCS, South Africa

Ben Anane Nsiah

Deputy CEO – General Services, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana

Lesedi Tomana Nduna

Lecturer: Tourism, University of South Africa, South Africa

Dr. Brian Ngwako Mahosi

Section Head: Entrepreneurship, University of South Africa, South Africa

Alan Renaud

Principal Secretary, Department of Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Ministry of Transport, Seychelles

Nosiphiwo Mahlangu

Lecturer: Tourism Management, University of South Africa, South Africa

Akwasi Obeng Adjei

Director of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance, Absa Group, South Africa & Project Lead, Africa Tourism Innovation Hub

Dr. Kwesi Eyison

Vice President - Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF)

Beatrice Chaytor

Head of Trade in Services, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana

Katlego Mphahlele CA(SA)

Senior Deal Maker, Tourism & Services Unit, Industrial Development Corporation, South Africa

Daphine Natacha Lekipaik

Junior Expert, Trade in Service, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana

Gorata Gabaraane

CEO, Fairground Holdings, Botswana

Natalia Rosa

CEO, Big Ambitions, Project Lead, SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, South Africa

Memory Momba Kamthunzi

CEO, Malawi Tourism Council

Nonnie Kubeka

Head of Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau, South Africa

Gorata Gabaraane

CEO, Fairground Holdings, Botswana

Natalia Rosa

CEO, Big Ambitions, Project Lead, SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, South Africa

Memory Momba Kamthunzi

CEO, Malawi Tourism Council

south africa –Johannesburg

Media Contact

Email: info@africatourismpartners.com

ATP Partnerships Johannesburg

Rejoice Chishamba- Projects Co-ordinator

Email: rejoice@africatourismpartners.com

RSA office address

Hon. Philda Nani Kereng

Minister of Environment & Tourism, Botswana

Hon. Philda Nani Kereng, is the Minister of Environment & Tourism. She has brought a new impetus to the tourism industry of Botswana by revising the tourism policy so as to enhance the participation of the country’s citizens in the tourism industry and to diversify the tourism products away from the traditional wildlife and wilderness to other products such as heritage & cultural tourism and increasing product diversification across the country. She has been instrumental in the development and adoption of the Botswana’s first Climate Change Policy and Strategy.

She has devised strategies to accelerate the recovery of Botswana tourism industry from the negative impact of COVID 19 through networking with different partners so as to achieve sustained growth while improving sustainable conservation practices and positioning Botswana as a tourism and investment regional hub.

Hon. Kereng efforts has earned due recognition and has been acknowledged as one of Africa’s Tourism Board Key Leaders in Africa.

She has also been active on the social front since 1995. She held until 2001 the post of Chief of Surveys and Follow ups of the Rural Industries Innovation Center, planning and managing nation-wide sociological research projects to improve industrial and farming activities.

Furthermore, she has also been a Project Officer for Community Development of the Action for Economic Empowerment Trust, a local partner of the US African Development Foundation (ADF), working closely with rural communities to identify, plan and manage community ecotourism projects.

Her grassroots knowledge of the Botswana’s society led the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to appoint her as Child Protection Officer to drive the national programme on orphan care and child services in collaboration with NGOs and CBOs. She was also instrumental in the development of the Children’s Act of 2009.

Hon. Kereng received an award for being one of Africa’s Tourism Board (ATB)’s Key Leader in Africa at the first East African Regional Tourism Expo on the 9 October 2021. The award recognizes her excellence in driving development of sound tourism recovery strategies. Such strategies include the review of tourism regulations, the Tourism Policy, development of climate change and response and integrated waste management Policy amongst the few.

Furthermore, she was recently recognized through the Pyne Awards Africa 2022 for outstanding contribution to community tourism development in Botswana and Africa by advancing priorities that are people centric in light of the health and economic setbacks caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As such communities have become core actors in the value chains created under the Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) programme

Hon. Philda Nani Kereng holds a B.A. in Public Administration and Sociology as well as a Masters in Sociology of Development (UK).
In parallel to her State responsibilities, she is an associate pastor in a local church and often acts as counselor and life coach for families, women and young people.

H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili

H.E. Zurab Pololikashvili

Secretary General Of The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili is Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since 1 January 2018 after being elected by the 22nd Session of UNWTO General Assembly. He was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain, the Principality of Andorra, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the Kingdom of Morocco and Permanent Representative of Georgia to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) up to December 2017.

Between 2009 and 2010, he was Minister of Economic Development of Georgia.As a Minister of Economic Development of Georgia, Mr Pololikashvili was responsible for overseeing the country’s long-term fiscal growth strategies, advancing foreign trade and investment policy initiatives as well as for promoting the development of the tourism, infrastructure and transportation sectors. He was instrumental in launching an innovative policy for the development of tourism in Georgia, prioritizing the sphere on both the government and private sector agendas. During Mr Pololikashvili’s tenure as Minister of Economic Development, through key policy reforms, marketing activities, improvement of infrastructure and visa liberalization initiatives, Georgia nearly doubled the number of international tourist arrivals, from 1.5 million (2009) to exceeding the 2.8 million mark by 2011. Those reforms paved the way for sustainable tourism practices in Georgia and poverty alleviation initiatives, placing Georgia among the top tourism destinations in the region. Minister Pololikashvili successfully led the economic liberalization processes, introducing supportive policies for SMEs, and incentive programmes to attract foreign investment for the development of hard and soft infrastructure.

2006 – 2009 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Kingdom of Spain.

2005 – 2006 Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. In this capacity as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, he supervised the departments for administrative, budgetary, financial and consular affairs, as well as the Department for Human Resources Management. Mr. Pololikashvili was responsible for ushering in a new phase of more liberal and secure visa regimes, facilitation of processes to ease border crossing procedures, and deepening relations with various international organizations, including UNWTO.

H.E. Wamkele Mene

Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana

H.E. Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. 

Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements. 

Prior to assuming this position, H.E. Wamkele Mene occupied the position of Director: International Trade Law & Investment Law at the Department of Trade & Industry, a role in which he was principal legal counsel on international trade law and international investment law.

From 2010 until 2015, H.E. Wamkele Mene represented South Africa at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. He was elected to the position of Chairman of the WTO’s Committee on International Trade in Financial Services.

Prior to joining the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa, H.E. Wamkele Mene worked for Wall Street based law firms in the London and Hong Kong offices.

H.E. Wamkele Mene has written and lectured internationally on international trade law, international investment law and international business law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law) degree from Rhodes University in South Africa, a Master of Arts in International Studies & Diplomacy (with specialization in International Economics) from the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London and a LL.M. (Master of Laws) in
Banking Law & Financial Regulation from the Law Department of the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE).

H.E. Elias M. Magosi

SADC Executive Secretary

H.E. Elias M. Magosi is a national of the Republic of Botswana who was sworn in on 18th August, 2021 as the Seventh SADC Executive Secretary at the 41st SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Lilongwe, Republic of Malawi. He assumed his
position on 1st September, 2021.

H.E. Magosi started his career in public service as Management Analyst in the Directorate of Public Service Management of Botswana in 1989 and rose through the
ranks to become Permanent Secretary in different ministries before his appointment as the Principal Secretary to the President in February 2020, effectively becoming the head of Public Service in Botswana. In this role, he coordinated and facilitated delivery linkages
for ministries and parastatals to achieve national and international obligations; and provided advisory support to the President, Vice President, Cabinet, Permanent
Secretaries, Private Sector and regional bodies.

In the private sector, H.E. Magosi has served in senior human resources portfolios, having served as Cluster Head of Human Resources-Consumer Banking, Southern
Africa at Standard Chartered Bank from 2013 to 2014. There, he managed and droveoverall human resource strategy and provided appropriate human resource solutions for the Consumer Banking businesses in the cluster comprising Botswana, Zambia and
Zimbabwe. H.E. Magosi was Head of Human Resources for Botswana Life Insurance Limited from 2007 to 2010 before assuming a group role in Botswana Insurance Holdings
Limited, of which Botswana Life Insurance is a subsidiary, and where he served as Group Head of Human Resources from 2010 to 2012.

H.E. Magosi has an in-depth understanding of the role of SADC in promoting and deepening regional integration, cooperation and development having served as Director
of Human Resources and Administration at the SADC Secretariat where in addition to the development and execution of Secretariat’s human resource strategy, he was
instrumental in engaging and coordinating with SADC Member States and other stakeholders as a member of the Secretariat Management.

With an extensive experience and a proven track record of service in the public and private sectors spanning over a period of more than 30 years, H.E. Magosi understands
that achieving SADC goals and objectives requires collective and collaborative efforts of all Member States, partners and stakeholders, and has an unwavering commitment to working closely with relevant structures in the SADC Member States, the Private Sector, International Cooperating Partners as well as regional and international bodies in the promotion and furtherance of SADC objectives. As head of the SADC Secretariat, a principal executive institution of SADC, H.E. Magosi will, among other strategic functions, oversee and coordinate the implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic
Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030 and SADC Vision 2050 which envision a peaceful, inclusive, competitive, middle-to-high-income industrialised region, where all
citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice and freedom., competitive, middle- to high-income.

H.E. Magosi holds a Master’s Degree in Organisation Development from Bowling Green State University, USA, Graduate Diploma in Management Services from the University of Bolton, United Kingdom and Bachelor of Arts Economics/Statistics from the University of Botswana.

Hon. Tumiso MacDonald Rakgare

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Botswana

Tumiso MacDonald Rakgare was born 39 years ago at Scottish Livingstone in Molepolole. He grew up in Mogoditshane where he did both primary and secondary studies, at Mogoditshane Primary and Mogoditshane Junior Secondary School respectively before transferring to Tlogatloga Junior Secondary School where he completed junior certificate. He then proceeded to Ledumang Senior Secondary to do BGCSE before enrolling at the University of Botswana to study for a Bachelor of Business Administration (General Management).

He has successfully completed an Executive Masters Degree in Entrepreneurship at the University of Botswana.

Hon. Rakgare is a passionate footballer & table tennis player with good playing record in both sporting codes. He played for Notwane FC juniors for 5 years, joined Black Peril FC in the National First Division League before retiring to focus on academic commitments.

He is also the Former Secretary General of Media Social Club (MSC). A social club of both practicing and retired media practitioners in Botswana.

POLITICS

Currently Member of Parliament for Mogoditshane Constituency and appointed as the Honourable Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture.

He was the Botswana Congress Party Youth League President from 2015 and 2017.

He served in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Youth Wing (NYEC) between 2010 and 2012.

He was appointed the first Student Peer Ambassador for Sports and Culture at the University of Botswana in 2010.

He was elected President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Botswana in 2009.
WORK EXPERIENCE

Administration, Marketing and Communications Executive at ILES, an education wing of BOPEU – May 2017 to December 2018.

He won a record 15 Media awards during his 11 year service as a Sports Reporter.

On air Sports Consultant – Yarona FM- January – December 2015

Head of Sports- Duma FM – December 2010 to January 2014

Sports Presenter at GBC (now EBotswana) from 2011 to 2012

Sports Presenter at Yarona FM – November 2004 to November 2010

Sports Analyst – Botswana Television (BTV), 2005 to 2007

Sales and Marketing representative at SBM Pipes in 2005

COMMUNITY SERVICE

He Co-founded the Annual Thamaga Christmas Football Tournament, it was founded in 2006 and is still running.

Worked with various NGO’s in Mogoditshane to mobilize resources to help the under privileged.

Assisted all schools in Mogoditshane (3 primaries, 2 juniors and 1 senior school) during their Prize Giving ceremonies with Prizes for best students both academics and sports.

He is an avid participant of the popular annual Matlolapata games both as a player and volunteer.

Patricia de Lille

Minister of Tourism, MP, South Africa

Patricia de Lille was appointed as the Minister of Tourism by President Cyril Ramaphosa in March 2023.

De Lille is a seasoned politician and public servant having has served in all three spheres of government since South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.

De Lille has been fighting injustice for more than 45 years and was part of the team which led the constitutional negotiations and the team which drafted South Africa’s Constitution.

She is the only South African female politician to start her own political parties and win seats in all three spheres of government. De Lille achieved this feat twice, in 2003 with the Independent Democrats and in 2019 with the GOOD Movement.

De Lille served as the Mayor of Cape Town between 2011 and 2018 where accountability and clean governance were the cornerstones of her term. De Lille served as the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) from June 2019 to March 2023 where she drove the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment Plan, repurposing government’s assets for greater socio-economic value, clamping down on corruption and ensuring that public land and public buildings were used for public good.

In her role as the Minister of Tourism, De Lille will focus efforts on destination marketing, increasing air access and visitor numbers to South Africa and efforts to increase the number of jobs created by the sector.

Hon. Mmusi Kgafela

Minister of Trade & Industry, MP of Mochudi West Constituency, Botswana

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT:
MOCHUDI WEST CONSTITUENCY.


POLITICAL PARTY:
BOTSWANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY (BDP).


CURRENT TERM:
1ST TERM.


PREVIOUS POSITIONS:
ATTORNEY OF THE HIGH COURT AND ALL OTHER CIVIL COURTS OF
BOTSWANA. CONVEYANCER AND A NOTARY PUBLIC JURISDICTION OF
BOTSWANA PARTNERED WITH FORMER CABINET MINISTER MR. SADIQUE
KEBONANG. BECAME A SOLE PRACTITIONER.


OCTOBER 2019 – MAY 2021:
MINISTER OF INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (MIH).
PROFESSIONAL

DETAILS:
BACHELOR OF LAWS.


CURRENT POSITIONS:
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT: MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (MTI).


POLITICAL CAREER:
UNIVERSITY OF BOTSWANA STUDENT POLITICS.
THIS IS HIS FIRST TIME IN ACTIVE NATIONAL POLITICS. HE BECAME SO ACTIVE FROM THE YEAR 2017 WHEN HE JOINED THE BOTSWANA
DEMOCRATIC PARTY (BDP).

Hon. Heather Mwiza Sibungo

Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism

Kongola Pioneer Band (1989); Member: Interim Swapo Party Youth League Committee (1993); Branch Executive Member of NANSO, St Kizito College (1992); Student Representative Council Chairperson, St Kizito College (1993-1995); Regional Executive Member of Representative SPYL (1994); Regional Chairperson, Caprivi Regional Youth Forum (1994); Board Member of National Youth Council (2001-2010); Regional Pioneer Representative, SPYL (2001-2007); District Secretary: Katima Urban SPYL (2007 to date); Regional Protocol Chairperson Swapo Party (2012 to date); Member of Local Authority Tender Board of Katima Mulilo Town Council (2011- 2014); Administrative Officer: Ministry of Education, Zambezi Region (1996-2013); Acting Accountant:

Ministry of Education, Zambezi Region (2013-2015)

Boikanyo Osego Ntwaagae

Director Commercial, Air Botswana, Botswana

Mr. Ntwaagae graduated from the University
of Botswana in 2000 with a B.A. Degree in
Social Sciences (Statistics and Economics). He
has 22 years of work experience, of which
eleven (11) years were in airline commercial
planning.

He has prior experience in Monitoring &
Evaluation, Statistical Data Management, and
Research & Modelling.

Mr. Ntwaagae is the current Director,
Commercial for Air Botswana responsible for
core commercial planning activities, which
includes Market Data Management & Market
Research, Route Network Planning & flight
Scheduling, Pricing & Yield/Revenue
Management, Commercial partnerships, and
commercial systems and automation as well as
sales and marketing.

Prior to Air Botswana, Mr. Ntwaagae had a 2-
year stint at Botswana Unified Revenue
Services (BURS) as the Statistician. He was
instrumental to the conclusion of the first Tax
Gab Study in Botswana sponsored by the
Swedish Tax Agency.

His extensive skill in data modelling works was
highlighted at the Energy Affairs Department
from 2008 to 2010 when he concluded a study
funded by the International Atomic Energy
Agency to forecast future energy demands for
Botswana through the MAED model. The
department depends on such studies to
develop the energy supply expansion plans.

Elcia Grandcourt

Director, Africa Department, UN Tourism, Spain

Originally from the Seychelles, Elcia Grandcourt joined the World Tourism Organisation, a United Nations specialised Agency for Tourism in 2013 as Director, of the Regional Department for Africa. Elcia began her tourism career studying Hotel Management in Singapore at the Singapore Hotel Association and Education Centre (SHATEC). Thereafter, she occupied various positions in operations, reservations and sales mainly in hotels, including leading international brands such as Le Meridien and Hilton Worldwide Resorts. She was part of the rebranding team when Hilton Worldwide Resorts took over the management of the then Northolme hotel in Seychelles. She worked with the Seychelles national airline and destination management companies before joining the public sector to Seychelles Tourism Board as deputy CEO before being promoted to Chief Executive Officer, a position she occupied prior to joining UNWTO. Passionate about tourism, Elcia is honoured to be able to contribute towards sustainable tourism development in Africa.

Elcia also holds a Master in Dynamics of Cooperation, Conflicts and Negotiation in International Relations and Diplomacy.

Senthil Gopinath

Chief Executive Officer – ICCA

Senthil has over 20 years’ experience in the meetings, association and leisure industry. He has held wide spectrum of positions in the meetings industry. Such as CEO of Convention Bureau of Sri Lanka, Vice President of Kuoni. He moved to Dubai in 2006 and has been working for Congress Solutions International, the Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) arm of Emirates Group, eventually holding responsibility for wide ranging business development, sales and operations functions for some of the largest international meetings held in the UAE and the Region.

A passionate strategist. Being creative and adaptable to the constantly changing environment are his key strengths. Always aims at professionalism and focuses on achieving the organizational objectives and financial goals

Academically Senthil holds a European Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s in Business Administration (UK). Currently reading for PHD. Senthil has been working with the global association and business tourism fraternity for more than two decades and has in depth knowledge on global association and business tourism segment development. At present Senthil is the CEO of International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) – Global Meetings Industry Association headquartered in Netherlands. Winner of Global Business Events Strategist of the year awarded by PCMA – USA.

ICCA -the International Congress and Convention Association- is the global community and knowledge hub for the international association meetings industry.
ICCA represents the main specialists in organizing, transporting, and accommodating international meetings and events, and comprises over 1,150-member companies and organizations in over 100 countries worldwide. ICCA specializes in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivalled data, communication channels, and business development opportunities.

 
 

Emily Mburu-Ndoria

Director, Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade AFCFTA Secretariat

Ms. Emily Mburu-Ndoria, is the Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade at the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, based in Accra, Ghana. She was formally the Head of Trade in Services Department at the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat. She has worked extensively as an independent consultant providing expertise in the area of trade in services in Eastern and Southern Africa through the provision of analytical and training services. She has worked in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariats and been instrumental in assisting countries in Eastern and Southern Africa in developing their negotiating strategy and position for the WTO, EPA, COMESA, EAC and SADC, particularly on issues related to trade in services.

Previously, Ms. Mburu-Ndoria was a trade policy expert at UNCTAD working with the Trade Negotiations and Commercial Diplomacy Branch in the Division on Trade in Goods and Services, and Commodities. She has a lot of working experience on assisting African countries in the negotiations at the multilateral and regional levels, and broadly on issues related to trade in services, investment and competition policy.

Furthermore, she has participated in several studies relating to trade negotiations and trade in services as well as participated in many international, regional, national meetings, seminars and workshops on international trade and development. Ms. Mburu-Ndoria holds a Master of Commerce in Management Practice, specializing in Trade Law & Policy from the University of Cape Town, an MBA from Webster University in Geneva and a Bachelor Honours degree in Economics and Mathematics from Egerton University, Kenya.

Derek Hanekom

Chairperson, South African Airways, South Africa

Derek Hanekom is a prominent figure in South African politics and a respected voice in the field of tourism. Serving as the former Minister of Tourism in South Africa, his influence has been pivotal in shaping the country’s tourism sector. With a career spanning several decades, Hanekom has displayed a profound commitment to sustainable tourism development and community engagement.

Hanekom’s tenure as Minister of Tourism witnessed transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering South Africa’s tourism industry. His advocacy for responsible tourism practices, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of local communities has garnered both national and international acclaim.

As a guest speaker at a conference on tourism leadership in Africa, Hanekom’s insights are bound to be enlightening and inspirational. His deep understanding of the complexities of tourism, coupled with his hands-on experience in governance, positions him as an authority on effective leadership in the sector. Attendees can expect to gain valuable perspectives on fostering collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities to drive sustainable tourism growth across the continent.

Derek Hanekom’s legacy extends beyond his political achievements – it encompasses his dedication to elevating Africa’s tourism potential while ensuring its benefits are widespread and enduring. His presence as a guest speaker underscores the conference’s commitment to learning from the best minds in the industry.

Thabo P. Thamane

Chief Executive Officer, Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), Botswana

Thabo Prince Thamane is the Chief Executive Officer of Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), with effect from January 1, 2011. Prior to that, Thamane was responsible for the operations of CEDA as the Deputy CEO (Operations).

In his role as the CEO, Thamane advises the CEDA Board of Directors on all policy matters and takes responsibility for the implementation of CEDA policies and the execution of all strategies and Board resolutions. He ensures the achievement of the strategic objectives and mandate of CEDA through sound management practices. CEDA has continued to progress positively under the stewardship of Mr Thamane. In 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) noted CEDA as the Best Performing Parastatal amongst all the MITI parastatals.

Thamane has been with CEDA since 2003 and has progressed over time in different management roles. Amongst his various responsibilities, Thamane was integral in the formation of the CEDA Young Farmers Fund in 2007 where he staffed and trained the team in the department, set up procedures and processes and subsequently appointed to Head the Agribusiness sector in early 2009.

Thamane holds an MBA specialising in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from York St. John University. He is also an alumni of the University of Botswana, London Business School and Wits Business School.

After serving as an EXCO Member of the African Association of Development Financial Institutions (AADFI) for a number of years, Thamane was elected as AADFI’s Chairman during in June 2019. AADFI currently has 82 member institutions and is headquartered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The Association is a member of the World Federation of Development Finance Institutions (WFDFI) and has observer status at the World Bank. AADFI bestowed CEDA with the Best Performing Development Financial Institution (DFI) in its network for 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Further to his appointment at AADFI’s Chairman, Thamane was appointed as Chairman of the World Federation of Development Financial Institutions (WFDFI) in January 2019. He also serves as a board chairperson at The Botswana Society. He has continued to build public confidence and ensure that CEDA becomes even more visible and accessible to Batswana.

Frank Mustaff

Leading the German office of Horwath HTL

Frank Mustaff has more than 30 years of management and consulting experience. He is specialized in tourism development and tourism planning, tourism marketing, investment promotion, export marketing and sales activities in various sectors. International Project & Strategic Management and the Leading of international teams in the field of development form also part of his area ofexpertise. Frank Mustaff has successfully managed numerous projects in Europe and in developing economies. He has been working in more than 25 countries all over the world, in particular in developing countries (ACP).

Since 2005 he has been leading the German office of Horwath HTL. Horwath HTL is widely recognized as the pre-eminent consulting specialist in the hotel, tourism and leisure industries. The Horwath HTL network comprises of over 50 offices in 40 countries and provides solutions through a combination of international experience and expert local knowledge. Horwath HTL was founded in 1915 in New York City and is the oldest and largest hotel and tourism consultancy practice in the world.

Frank Mustaff has successful working experience in more than 15 African countries. During the last 10 years he has been conducting multiple assignments in East Africa. In 2016 he has set up Horwath HTL East Africa, registered in Kigali, Rwanda, with branches in Kampala and Nairobi.

Moseketsi Mpeta

CEO, Tourvest Accommodation, South Africa

Moseketsi is Head of Tourism & Services the Industrial Development Corporation She has deep knowledge and passion for development finance and has over the many years at IDC, developed passion for the tourism industry and has facilitated funding and investments to many establishments both within and outside the South Africa.

Petra Pereyra

EU Ambassador to Botswana and SADC

Ambassador Petra Pereyra is a lawyer by profession with over fifteen years of experience in European Union External Action, having served in various functions
prior to joining the EU Delegation to Botswana and SADC in September 2022 as the Ambassador.

Previously, she has been heading the Unit for Communications in the department for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations and leading the Humanitarian Aid Operations in the Sahel and West Africa region. In the department for International Partnerships, she was in charge of designing and supporting the EU Delegations to implement programmes in the areas of justice, security, the rule of law and good governance. She has also been responsible for inter-institutional relations within the EU and budget discharge for the EU external action spending.

Before joining the EU, Petra Pereyra worked as a researcher of international law at the University of Helsinki and in the Legal Department of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. She holds Master of Laws and Licentiate of Law (postgraduate research) Degrees from the University of Helsinki.

Evelyne Freiermuth

Director of Government Affairs, World Travel & Tourism Council, United Kingdom

Evelyne Freiermuth is Director of Government Affairs at the World Travel & Tourism Council based in London, UK. In this role her focus is on maintaining and developing strong relationships between the private sector and public sector entities around the world. Through active engagement in bilateral and multilateral partnerships WTTC seeks to maximise the inclusive and sustainable growth potential of the Travel & Tourism to drive economic development, create jobs, reduce poverty, and foster peace, security, and understanding in our world.

In her current role she draws on an extensive background in Travel & Tourism research and policy as well as experience working for a number of membership organisations and public entities across three different continents with a previous recent focus on small business access to finance.

 

Evelyne holds BA and MA degrees in International Affairs from The George Washington University in Washington DC, USA, and the Graduate Institute in International and Development Studies in Geneva, Switzerland.

Hamza Farooqui

Chief Executive Officer, Millat Investments, South Africa

Hamza Farooqui is a committed South African entrepreneur holding a commanding presence across multiple sectors including fuel, convenience, real estate, technology, hospitality, tourism, and global financial services. As the founding CEO of the Millat Group, he has consistently steered negotiations with global business giants to successful conclusions. Farooqui has not only earned the trust of the Canadian multinational Alimentation Couche-Tard, the force behind Circle K, but also bridged a strategic alliance with Swiss based Trafigura, allowing him to play in the downstream fuel and gas space through the Puma Energy brand. He envisions lighting up the South African convenience map with 300 Circle K stores within the next three years. His resilience shone through the COVID crisis when he brought American hotel giant Hyatt to South Africa, opening the Hyatt Regency in Cape Town at the pandemic’s peak. Following this, two more Hyatt properties sprouted in Johannesburg, with a fourth one set to open in 2024. With an ambitious target of controlling two thousand keys in South Africa by 2024, Farooqui is not one to rest on his laurels. His innovative thinking has led to a partnership with Uber Eats, making Millat the pioneer hotel group to launch dark kitchens in South Africa. Informed by diverse cultures and a powerful sense of community, he embodies a service-oriented ethos. Farooqui travels the world widely, has extensive business interests in the GCC and the sub-continent, and through an extensive network has high-level access to global companies and their leaders. He also draws inspiration from the cultural diversity in these regions and his parental roots of Pakistan. Farooqui previously served as MD for satellite radio company WorldSpace in Africa, where he spearheaded capital raising efforts that culminated in a triumphant NASDAQ IPO. Farooqui ventured into hospitality and tourism launching his first global hotel brand with Coral Hotels in 2009. He paved the way for the Hilton brand in South Africa, introducing Hilton to Cape Town in 2011, and opening Conrad Pezula in 2012 – a first on African soil for the prestigious brand. Farooqui remains committed to his vision of seeing South Africa emerge as an economic powerhouse on the global stage. For Farooqui, his journey has never been solely about achieving personal milestones or acquiring wealth. He is driven by the ethos of servitude, a principle that permeates all his ventures and partnerships.

Jon Danks

Chief Executive Officer, ATTA®, United Kingdom

Joined ATTA® as CEO in 2023, well known to the Africa media, buyer, agent, and operator audiences, Jon enjoyed over 40 years’ experience of travelling the continent of Africa before joining ATTA®.  Jon has over 25 years’ leadership experience in travel and tourism and has held numerous senior leadership positions at multinational membership organisations such as Aviva and The Times Educational Supplement.  He also held several key roles in aviation at British Airways, South African Airways and as Marketing Chairman (UK) for Star Alliance.  He joined ATTA® directly from Avis where he held a senior role driving commercial performance. A strategic thinker with vision and diplomacy, Jon also brought to ATTA® experience in public affairs, connected across the continent’s high commissions and tourism agencies and experienced in several volunteer non-Exec roles at Tale2Tail, Cache and The Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC).

Robyn Williams

Senior Vice President,JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, South Africa

Robyn recently joined Valor Hospitality Partners as the Head of Strategy for Africa.

Before joining Valor, she held the position of Senior Vice President for JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, where she focused on delivering strategic advisory services to local, regional, and global clients. Her 18+ years of experience in the hospitality industry cover a range of areas, including hotel valuations, commercial due diligence, hotel asset management, and other strategic advisory services for investors, operators, and funders. Robyn also has a background in financial management.

Her qualifications include being a Chartered Accountant (CA), a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), and a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Robyn’s hospitality journey began with Hotel Management training at the Mount Nelson Hotel, after which she began her career working in London for CBRE and then King Sturge (which later merged with JLL) before returning to South Africa some years later.

Desire Loumou

Head of Division, Intellectual Property Rights, AfCFTA Secretariat, Accra - Ghana

Senior International Intellectual Property, Trade and Environmental Lawyer, with high specialised knowledge of the multilateral trading system and particularly Trade in Services, Intellectual Property and Environment Law, he cumulates an extensive experience in Intellectual Property, Trade negotiations and policies developed in various capacities with international organisations (WIPO, UNECA, UNIDO, UNCTAD, WHO, WTO, OAPI), regional economic communities (ECCAS, CEMAC), national governments, and the private sector. Lawyer and Patent and Trademark Attorney, he is currently the Head of Division of Intellectual Property Rights and a Senior Trade Expert on Trade in Services at the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, Ghana. He is therefore a key member of the Team developing the Trade in Services continental single market, and the AfCFTA Intellectual Property continental ecosystem.

Prof Urmila Bob

Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences in the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa.

Prof Urmilla Bob is a Full Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences in the School of Agriculture, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa. She was the University Dean of Research at UKZN from 2013-2023. She has a Masters and PhD in Geography from West Virginia University, USA and a Masters in Tertiary Education Management from the University of Melbourne, Australia. She conducts research on a range of developmental and environmental issues, including cultural aspects as a senior researcher for the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), mandated to undertaking research and capacity-building for the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa. She has published in these fields in both nationally and internationally recognised academic books and journals as well as been involved in consultancy-based projects. She has supervised to completion more than 75 Masters and PhD students in. She has been involved in collaborative research with national and international academic organizations and NGOs, attending several conferences and workshops worldwide. She has training expertise in quantitative and qualitative methodologies and techniques, monitoring and evaluation, development of indicators, social and environmental impact assessments, gender analytical methodologies, research planning, and the development of academics and postgraduate students. She is currently a member of KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Planning Commission and on the Board of the International Evaluation Academy. In terms of her work in the cultural and creative as well as sport spaces, she has been involved in several consultancy-based projects. This includes impact assessments and the monitoring and evaluation of key national strategies in South Africa (such as the Mzansi Golden Economy program) and national initiatives/ organizations providing support to these sectors. There is also a focus on several thematic issues pertinent to the challenges and opportunities facing culture and sport in society, including issues pertaining to gender-based violence, protection of creative content and rights, sustainability considerations (including in relation to current funding approaches and the reliance on public funding), impacts of and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, entrepreneurship, and addressing inclusion (such as addressing the needs of women and persons living with disabilities). The consultancy projects include socio-economic impact assessments of specific events and activities. The research draws on examining international comparisons and best practices, focusing on the African continent. She has also undertaken training, both in relation to sharing findings and the implications thereof for policy and program development as well as in terms of building research capacity. She is currently leading projects for SACO on the following topics: building a case for Community Arts Centres to receive conditional grant funding; the integration of sport, arts and culture into the District Development Model; the sector’s economic recovery post the economic downturn (linked to the COVID-19 pandemic), the 4IR and other disruptions such as climate change; and the National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP) implementation status.

Natalia Bayona

Executive Director World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain

Natalia Bayona is currently Executive Director of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the United Nations specialized agency for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and accessible tourism worldwide.

With a diverse background on politics, destination management and business, she became the first innovation director at UNWTO, has introduced entrepreneurship and education as key factors for tourism and development, and has positioned UNWTO as an innovation benchmark within the wider United Nations system as recognized in the UN 2020 and 2022 Mapping of Innovation, Data and Digital Capacities. Furthermore, she has joined the UN Executive Leadership Programme for Sustainable Development led by the UN System Staff College (UNSSC).

Her work has been focused on the strategy of innovation, education and investments. Specially, it consists of identifying the most disruptive startups and investment projects and matching them with Member States and leading corporations. As an advocate of youth and technology, she seeks to make entrepreneurs grow for a promising future in all regions.

Francisco Gómez Durán

Head of the Culture Unit, UNESCO's Regional Office for Southern Africa, Zimbabwe

Mr. Francisco Gómez Durán is the Head of the Culture Unit at UNESCO’s Regional Office for Southern Africa based in Harare, Zimbabwe. In this capacity, he coordinates and manages the implementation of UNESCO’s Culture Programme in the nine countries covered by the Office, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The “Rehabilitation and sustainable development of Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site” and the “UNESCO Journeys in Southern Africa” are some of the initiatives led by UNESCO in support of sustainable tourism practices in the Southern Africa region. Prior to UNESCO, Francisco developed cultural initiatives and led international cooperation projects with the United Nations Development Programme and the Spanish International Development Cooperation Agency in countries across Asia and Latin America. He holds an M.A. in arts politics from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, USA, as well as an M.A. in international cultural management and cooperation from the University of Barcelona, Spain

Wambugu Wa Gichohi

Franchise Consultant & Expert, Africa Franchising Accelerator Project 2021-2025, Tanzania

Wambugu is a Franchise Consultant with a very high-level understanding and practice of franchising. He is one of very few fully-fledged franchise consultants in Africa (outside South Africa and Egypt) offering a unique one-stop shop for businesses wishing to franchise their local brands, to re-align/turnaround their struggling franchise operations, to acquire franchises, settling in international brands seeking to franchise in Africa and helping governments to mainstream franchising as a strategy for long-term GDP growth and for local businesses to fully seize opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

He is the Franchise Expert at the AfDB-funded Africa Franchising Accelerator Project 2021-2025 (AFRAP) in Tanzania which is building 100 indigenous brands into national, continental and international franchises, among them ten micro and small operators aggregated along their respective value-chains before franchising them. Additionally, he is currently involved in mobilizing banks in Africa to participate in the recently approved Afreximbank Franchise Financing Facility which seeks to grow the franchise sector in Africa. He is also an Associate at the Dubai-based franchise firm, The Franchise Trainer.

Wambugu has researched extensively on franchising in Africa, having participated in a survey of the sector in 18 African countries commissioned by the Afreximbank, a report of which was launched on 13 June 2022. Resulting from this, Wambugu is currently involved in engaging commercial banks across Africa to take advantage of a franchise financing trade finance facility set up by Afreximbank for lending to franchise sector players as recommended in the report. This involves identifying bank customers who meet a pre-set franchiseability criteria, training and hand-holding them through the franchise development process under their bank, training the banks to develop franchise-specific loan products and helping the banks to structure their applications for the franchise trade finance facility from Afreximbank-which, on a case-by-case basis is accompanied by a grant to facilitate franchise development training and hand-holding. The funds are also available for businesses people seeking to become franchisees of local and international brands.

Wambugu is also the researcher carrying out the baseline franchise sector survey in Tanzania and in addition to the feasibility study for the Africa Franchising Accelerator Fund (AFRAF) in the East African Community (EAC) for AfDB under AFRAP. 

Wambugu is an accomplished author on franchising. Between October 2017 and July 2021, Wambugu ran a weekly column on franchising in The Citizen (in Tanzania) and has contributed franchising articles in The New Vision (Uganda) and in The East African. He has also discussed franchising on national TV channels in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda and has presented on franchising in many entrepreneurship conferences across East Africa, including Kenya National Assembly’s Speakers’ Forum. He is currently finalizing a book on franchising for African businesses.

He has carried out numerous stakeholder sensitization programs on distribution, franchising and licensing, including an online session organized by the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) in May 2020 and a physical workshop in Accra organized by the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), a US department of commerce initiative in August 2023. In May 2023 Wambugu presented on franchising in the EAC at the World Franchising Symposium organized by the Dubai-based franchise firm, The Franchise Trainer. In May 2022, Wambugu presented AFRAP’s activities at the General Assembly of the World Franchise Council (WFC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, opening the door for the Franchise Association of Tanzania (FATA) to join the WFC. In late 2018, Wambugu presented to the two houses of Parliament at the KEPSA-organized Parliament Speaker’s Round Table on how the Kenya Government could use franchising to manage its burgeoning wage bill and deliver on its BIG4 Agenda of Manufacturing, Food Security, Universal Healthcare and Affordable Housing, all which are common problems even for other EAC governments.  In September 2019, Wambugu was a key presenter at the Strathmore University Entrepreneurship Conference focusing on franchising as the key to opening up opportunities for Kenyan MSMEs seeking a share of business under the AfCFTA. In November 2017, he presented on franchising at the East Africa Trade and Investment Conference at Serena Hotel, Dar Es Salaam.

Wambugu is currently involved in preparing several businesses in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya to franchise and has ongoing discussions with many more in Africa to engage towards the same. Recommended by the AfDB to the KCB Group in Kenya, he worked on KCB Foundation’s 2Jiajiri Program to structure identified franchise champions in six key sectors to franchise and absorb the foundation’s beneficiaries. He is also a focal point for a number of international trade missions of foreign embassies seeking to introduce their franchises in Africa.

Trained extensively under a generous grant program of the AfDB, Wambugu singled out franchising as the next big thing for SMEs in Africa and has set out to expand his knowledge in the area and together with a few other workshop participants spearheaded the formation of the Franchise Association of Tanzania (FATA) in 2012 aimed at providing a center point for all franchising activities in Tanzania. He represented Kenya and Tanzania in the now defunct Pan African Franchise Federation (PAFF).

Over the years Wambugu has successfully delivered numerous leadership development and entrepreneurship consultancies for leading corporates, MSMEs and organizations such as the World Bank, UNIDO, UNHCR, UNDP, SIDA and EAC among others including the Government of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. He has also carried out leadership and change management training for many organizations and governments across East Africa since 2001.

In the early days of his career, Wambugu worked with Diners Club, Visa and McCann Erickson franchises in Kenya.

He is an Education graduate in Economics and Business Studies from Kenyatta University (Kenya), a Certified Public Secretary (not practiced) in Kenya, a holder of a Post-Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development from the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), an Empreteco and has attended numerous short courses in entrepreneurship, franchising and enhancing consultancy skills.     

Keith Vincent

Chief Executive Officer, Wilderness Holdings

Growing up in Zimbabwe, Keith knew at the age of nine that he wanted to contribute to the conservation of his country’s wildlife, and the protection of its wilderness areas. He developed a love for the outdoors and natural history of the country, becoming a professional guide in 1980. He then worked throughout Zimbabwe for various safari companies before settling in Victoria Falls in 1984. Keith began working for Wilderness in 1993 and has never looked back.

 

After six years as Wilderness’ Chief Operations Officer, Keith was appointed CEO for Wilderness in July 2013. In order to initiate the next level of growth within the business, and in order for the Group to achieve this next phase of development, he moved to a more focused role as CEO for the Wilderness Group in November 2018.

 

Keith is extremely proud of the remarkable people who have grown the company to where it is today, and looks forward to ensuring that the Wilderness Group continues to make a difference, building further sustainable conservation economies in Africa, and beyond.

 

His main goal for the business is to make sure that its unique, financially viable model of non-consumptive ecotourism land-use continues to generate benefits for the people and wildlife in the areas in which it operates, and those in which Wilderness might be present in the future.

Boipelo Tladinyane

African Solo Traveller and Author, South Africa

Boipelo Tladinyane Hlubi is a solo traveller and author of a travel memoir titled: “A safari back to self – Backpacking 54 countries in Africa”. Having travelled to 4 continents across the world, it is her solo travels across all the 55 African countries that has captured her heart the most. She shares her story as a contribution to reclaiming the African narrative in hope that this brings a certain understanding amongst Africans and pride that compels us to do better for one another and see the need to build for the benefit of each and every one of us.

Besides an African map clearly outlining the routes she took from one country to the next, her self-published book vividly depicts minute by minute details of her authentic journey across Africa, crossing land borders and using public transport. You get an insider’s account as she navigates between cultures, religions, languages, currencies, issues and delights across the rest of Africa. From attending weddings, funerals, throwing kiddies parties, night clubs, getting hospitalized, sleeping on rooftops, at the beach, on the roadside among strangers, at the police station, starring in her own movie of jumping on and off moving vehicles, surviving deportation, endless immigration processes – to being fed and warmly welcomed into homes of people who chose to care for her, regardless of having never met her before.

Boipelo is an alumna of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) with a N-Dip in Engineering Computer Systems and a B-Tech degree in Knowledge Management.

Devota Mdachi

Head of the Marketing and Communications Unit:College of Tourism, Tanzania

Devota Kasanda Mdachi is a name which is well known in Tanzania, especially in the Tourism Industry for the role she played in seeing that Tanzania is placed high on the list of the world’s best African destinations.

With more than 28 years’ experience of working in the Tourism industry, Ms.   Mdachi has held a number of positions both in the Public and Private sectors.

She started working with Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) in 1994 and was first employed as a Tourist Information Officer. Over the period of 10 years she  rose high up the organisation’s ladder to the positions of Senior Tourist Information Officer ; Principal Tourist Information Officer and Head of the Tourist Information Centre , Dar-es-salaam  and Principal Marketing Officer. In June 2011,Ms.Mdachi was appointed  Director of Marketing of the Tanzania Tourist Board and later was appointed as  the Managing Director of the Tanzania Tourist Board in 2015. Ms. Mdachi is the first Tanzania woman to hold the positions of Director of Marketing (2011-2015) and Managing Director of the Tanzania Tourist Board (2015-2021).

Ms. Mdachi worked with Abercrombie and Kent (Arusha) as a Tour Manager  (1993-1994)) and at The College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM,Moshi, Mweka) as a Lecturer in Tourism Marketing and Events Management (2021-2023). Currently, Ms. Mdachi is teaching at the National College of Tourism, Dar –es-salaam and the Ag. Head of Department of the Events Department.

Ms. Mdachi has also worked as an Intern at the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa (RETOSA), under the Marketing and Communications Department. 

Ms. Mdachi has also been a Board member of The Tanzania Women’s Bank, Tanzania National Parks and Tan Roads.

Through her position and undertakings over the years, Ms. Mdachi has been able to be a great role model to young girls and women in Tanzania , especially in the tourism sector. She is a member of The Association of Women In Tourism in Tanzania (AWOTTA) and Guardian and Advisor of the newly formed Tanzania Association of Women Tour Operators (TAWTO).

She has received a number of awards and was nominated as one of the recipients of the ‘Nyerere Golden Awards’ by The Mwl. J.K Nyerere Golden Awards in Science and Technology Achievements (2014 and 2015). 

 In 2016 , the CEO Global (Pty) LTD a South African based company, awarded Ms.Mdachi an award as Tanzania’s Country winner in the category of “Government Employed Official Sector of CEO Global’s Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business and Government”

Women in Management Tanzania, recognized her as one of the Top 50 Women in Management in Tanzania in 2019 and was also recognized by the AKWAABA African Travel Market and ATQ News as one of the recipients of the African Travel 100 Women Awards in 2019. In 2021 she was recognized by Coca Cola Beverages Africa and awarded as one of the recipients of the The Mwanamke Shujaa Leadership Award.

Ms. Mdachi holds a BA degree in International Relations and Advanced French Language from the University of Dar-es-salaam (1991); M.A in Tourism from the Open University of Tanzania (2008) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Tourism from the International School of Tourism, Rome Italy (2000).

Dan D’Souza

Senior Manager, Intrapreneurship, United Kingdom

Dan is a leader in corporate innovation and startup acceleration. With a proven track record of developing startup ventures and driving innovation for renowned clients like Sumitomo Corporation, Lloyd’s of London, and Metro Bank etc. Dan is passionate about delivering impact and positioning clients as industry leaders in innovation. Developing 9 Ventures that collectively raised $12 million in seed funding, generating a remarkable commercial value of $170 million across both developed and emerging markets.

Dan collaborates closely with C-Suite and high-performing teams to implement innovation best practices. He’s confident across diverse sectors, including Finance, Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, and Energy. Dan excels in identifying promising opportunities, shaping business models, assessing commercial viability, and setting up for early-stage investment readiness.

Being deeply immersed in all aspects of corporate innovation and startup acceleration, Dan has a genuine passion for sharing new ideas and enjoys giving back to others as a startup mentor, thought leader, and speaker.

Thabo Seshoka

Senior Manager: Heritage Assets and Preservation, Transnet SOC Ltd, South Africa

Thabo Seshoka is a Curator, Heritage Specialist and Art’s Administrator. He currently serves as the Senior Manager: Heritage Assets and Preservation, within Group Business Development at Transnet SOC Ltd. In this role, Seshoka oversees Transnet’s Museum’s, Art Collection, Heritage Library, Heritage Assets, and other Heritage Tourism initiatives.  

Seshoka, is the former Curator of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Art Gallery and UJ Art Collection. Prior to joining UJ, he served as the Head of Heritage and Research at Robben Island Museum (RIM), and was responsible for the museum’s Natural Environment, Creative, Exhibitions and Development, Research, Archives and Collections.

In 2021, he served as both the acting Chief Heritage Officer, and acting Head of Information and Communication Technology at RIM. Seshoka previously served as the Specialist: Art Curator for Absa Group Limited. At the age of 24, he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Absa Gallery, while concurrently curating one of the largest Corporate Art Collections on the Continent. He is also the former acting Chief Curator and Head of Museum Africa, a role he was appointed to at the age of 23.

Between 2020 – 2023, Seshoka was on several occasions invited to Guest Lecture on the Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Management at Rhodes University. He has served on multiple committees such as the South Africa World Heritage Site Managers Forum, Rhodes University Senate, and Institutional Forum.  

Thabo holds a Master of Arts degree from Nelson Mandela University, and Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice from the Henley Business School – Africa. He also earned both his Bachelor of Social Science (Honours), and a Bachelor of Social Science degrees from Rhodes University.

Susan Akon Akporiaye

President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies

Mrs. Susan Akon Akporiaye an entrepreneur per excellence.  A very focused and passionate person, a go-getter by nature. A firm believer that whatever one sets his or her mind to achieve is possible with God’s help. These sterling qualities have defined my entrance and contributions to the industry I currently serve in the travel and tourism industry. 

Being the Chief Executive of Topaz Travels and Tours Limited (an IATA Certified Travel and Tourism Management Company), I am currently the National President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, the single largest travel and tourism trade body in West Africa. Interestingly, I am the second woman in the over forty seven (47) years history of the Association to attain this position, I consider this an acknowledgement and testament of true leadership qualities and exceptional persona.

In addition to the above, I am also the second deputy President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria, (FTAN).

Contributions to the Industry-

 

  • For over 16 years I have been actively involved in the promotion and facilitation of Travel Consultants/Agents to Travel and Tourism conferences and event in Africa, Europe and America for sensitization, interactions, new possibilities and collaborations.
  • I have initiated programs and projects that are focused on revamping the downstream travel sector in Nigeria and Africa like the International Travel and Tourism Conference (ITTC) which maiden was held in Johannesburg South Africa.
  • As a leader who is committed to true service, I have kept my communication lines open to provide members and affiliates with quality information and enlightenment needed to handle their business with a clever display of professionalism and dexterity.
  • I pioneered the NANTA Capacity development and Accreditation Programme (CBAP) which has improved the quality of professional services offered by travel professionals in Nigeria.
 

Topaz Travels and Tours Limited in Abuja, is a company I conceived and started some seventeen years ago, and the company continues to thrive through diligence, value for customer satisfaction and professional knowledge. With my leadership, Topaz Travels has received several awards for astounding performance over the years.

  • Our professionalism, efficiency and longevity in the industry have made us a preferred choice for Non Governmental Organizations in Nigeria.
  • Topaz Travels continues to contribute her quota in the creation of employment opportunities in the travel and tourism industry through her empowerment programs (i.e. trainings, mentorships and internship opportunities)

Bernadine Galliver

Vice President: Tourism Advisory, JLL and Head of Tourism Advisory for Africa, South Africa

Bernadine Galliver is Vice President: Tourism Advisory at JLL and Head of Tourism Advisory for Africa. Bernadine has more than 17 years’ experience in tourism advisory and has been based in Durban since 2005. Before joining JLL in 2022, she spent 13 years at a multi-national audit and advisory firm, and other boutique tourism consultancies prior to that. She has an MBA with distinction from Edinburgh Business School and a Masters in Agriculture specialising in Agribusiness.

Her experience includes tourism destination strategic planning, market and financial feasibility studies, business planning, tourism market research and economic impact assessments.

She has worked with national, provincial, and local government ministries and departments, DMOs, government and private sector economic development and tourism entities, developers, lenders, private investors, tourism and trade associations, hoteliers and communities across the tourism value chain. Her experience includes South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, eSwatini, Seychelles, Qatar, Indonesia, the USA and Saudi Arabia.

Jean Byamugisha

EO, Uganda Hotel Owners Association, Uganda

Jean Byamugisha is the CEO of the Uganda Hotel Owners Association, the only trade association for the Hotel Sector in Uganda. With over 600 member hotels, UHOA is the biggest as well as one of the oldest private sector Associations in Uganda’s tourism sector.

Ms. Byamugisha is the first female CEO of the Association as well as the youngest CEO in the history of UHOA. When Jean took over as CEO, the Association had 202 Members and she has steadily grown the association to 625 members in 6years, making her one of the best performing CEO’s in the history of UHOA. She has also been recognized as one of the 20 Best performing CEOs in Uganda in a national survey carried out in December 2018 and 2019. She was voted among the top 100 women in Tourism in Africa in 2017 as well as one of Uganda’s Top 40 CEO’s under 40 in 2018. She was also voted as one of Uganda’s 50 most admirable women in 2020.

Ms. Byamugisha has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management from Makerere University, one of Africa’s oldest and best universities as well as a host of post graduate certifications from different international training institutions. Jean is very passionate about the tourism industry and has acted as Mentor to many hospitality students in different universities in Uganda. In her spare time, Jean is an avid reader and traveler.

Ms. Wincey Ramaphoi

Chairperson, Botswana Tourism Organization

Ms. Wincey Ramaphoi is the interim chairperson of the Botswana Tourism Organization. A recognized Human Capital Strategist who has shaped high performing cultures at various Multi-National Companies and major growth brands in the last 16 years. She has provided technical expertise supporting strategic direction, championed prolific communications and robust organizational development programs that bring positive change in the business and transform organizational culture.

As a strategy architect she has championed the development of innovative Human Capital initiatives that streamline processes and capitalize on individual and organizational growth opportunities.

She has also been the President of Institute of Human Resources Management Botswana from October 2005 to 2008 and from 2015 to date. She is also currently serving as an independent member of the BIDPA HR Committee of the Board from 2014.

Kwakye Donkor

CEO / Africa Tourism Partners

Kwakye Donkor is the CEO of Africa Tourism Partners (ATP), a Pan African tourism advisory firm and a UNWTO award-winning firm. He is a renowned Pan-African strategist and expert in areas of tourism development, strategic and destination marketing, destination brand management and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition/Events). He is a recognised and highly respected personality in Africa tourism space, and speaks at global conferences, seminars and think tank fora. 

Kwakye has demonstrated expertise in destination master planning as well as strategy formulation and execution, business transactional advisory and leadership development worldwide across education, finance, and hotel development. His expertise and experience have earned him the privilege to regularly serve on expert panels and think tank fora facilitated by international organizations including UNWTO, AU, SADC, The World Bank Group, GIZ, BBC, CNBC Africa, Channel Africa, ENCA, SABC and others across Africa.

He is the convener of the annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum & Awards, Africa MICE Masterclass, Africa Youth in Tourism Summit and Africa Women in Tourism Summit series.

Gloria Kisilu

CEO, The Shaba, Kenya

Young and Vibrant Social Entrepreneur with a Passion for Sustainability. Meet Gloria Kisilu, a dedicated and passionate social entrepreneur with a strong commitment to sustainability and empowering rural communities. As the founder of Shaba, a social enterprise focused on working with rural communities to handcraft bags, Gloria embodies the spirit of a young and vibrant leader with a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact. Leveraging the use of
technology as a tool, Shaba combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative approaches to create sustainable solutions. With Shaba, Gloria has garnered press features, showcasing her innovative work and amplifying her message of sustainability and empowerment. Additionally, she was recognized as a finalist for the Tourism Innovation Challenge in Africa 2023, further highlighting her entrepreneurial prowess and dedication to driving positive change.

Gloria’s influence extends to global climate action. She notably spoke at COP27, sharing insights on climate change and sustainable development. Gloria’s talent for innovative solutions was recognized when she won the Hult Prize in Nairobi and participated in MIT’s Scale-Up program in Uganda. She further honed her skills through Future Female – Green Tech and contributed to pandemic recovery via the Enpact COVID-19 Relief program.

With a wealth of experience, Gloria leads change toward sustainability and equity. Her unwavering commitment to rural communities and engagement in global initiatives underscore her exceptional leadership.

Miller Matola

CEO, Millvest Advisory, South Africa

Miller Mulamule Matola has more than 25 years of management experience within the global travel, tourism, hospitality, convention industry and investment facilitation environments.

His competencies range from executive management, business administration, project management, destination marketing, nation branding to strategic planning and execution. With demonstrated business management skills, at both operational and strategic levels,
Miller has managed several large non-profit and for – profit organisations during his management career; having been CEO of Tourism KwaZulu Natal, Durban ICC and Brand South Africa respectively. Uniquely, he possesses unprecedented knowledge and networks amongst global decision makers in the Tourism, Business Events, Trade, Investment and Development sectors, both in business and government. Miller has proven stakeholder relationship management skills, having worked at executive management level with various Business, Government and Civil society stakeholders globally.

At present, Miller is Founder and CEO of Millvest (Pty) Ltd, a South African advisory and project management company focusing on the tourism, hospitality, energy and convention industries. He is a non-executive director of the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and a member of the Premier’s Economic Growth Advisory Council and Tourism and Agriculture Work Group of the Limpopo Province.

Keitumetse Setlang

CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation, Botswana

Keitumetse Setlang has been part of the tourism industry in the marketing and public relations field since 1998 when she joined the industry as a Public Relations Manager. Currently sitting in the Executive Manager- Marketing position in Botswana Tourism Organisation; she has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the Botswana Tourism Strategy focusing on Global Destination Marketing, Brand Management and Public Relations for Botswana Tourism as well as resuscitating travel and tourism following continuous COVID-19 implications through highlighting and availing linkages to the tourism industry to increase its impact on the local economy, ‘it is important to strengthen these linkages to create business opportunities across tourism value chains’. Keitumetse is also instrumental in the stimulation of the MICE or business tourism sector.

Bokani Mathape

Founder & President: Women In Tourism Botswana

Meet Ms Bokani Mathape, a visionary leader, and trailblazer in the tourism and hospitality industry. As the founder and president of Women in Tourism Botswana, she has dedicated her career to promoting gender equality and empowering women in this dynamic field.

Over the past seven years, Ms Mathape has honed her skills and expertise in various aspects of the industry, including camp management, team leadership, guest relations, and relief management. Her dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition as one of the top 10 female trailblazers to watch in African Tourism 2022.

In 2018, Ms Mathape’s commitment to excellence earned her a spot in a prestigious exchange program that exposed her to the international hospitality industry. This invaluable experience broadened her perspective and equipped her with innovative ideas to contribute to the growth of tourism and hospitality in Botswana.

Driven by her immense passion for the industry, Ms Mathape focuses on women’s development and leadership in tourism. This passion led her to establish Women in Tourism Botswana, a non-governmental organization aimed at inspiring and empowering women professionals in the field. Through her organization, she encourages women to become fellow game changers and industry movers, fostering a more inclusive and diverse landscape for tourism and hospitality.

Beyond her national efforts, Ms Mathape also serves as the country representative for the African Association of Women in Tourism & Hospitality. In this role, she collaborates with other like-minded leaders from the continent to champion the cause of women in the industry and drive positive change on a broader scale.

Ms Mathape’s journey is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and innovative spirit. As she continues to make significant contributions to the growth of tourism and hospitality in Botswana and beyond, her impact on the industry and the lives of countless women remains truly inspiring.

Mokwena Morulane

Managing Director, Cresta Marakanelo Ltd, Botswana

Mokwena is the Managing Director of Cresta Marakanelo Limited, a leading hotel chain listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange. He started his career at Deloitte and has held leadership roles in the mining and financial services sectors. Mokwena is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and a member of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries in Southern Africa. He holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting from the University of Luton, United Kingdom and he has also completed the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford Executive Leadership Programme. Mr Morulane serves on the Boards of Minergy Limited, Masiela Trust Fund and Sentlhaga Pension Fund.

Susan Ongalo

Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Tourism Federation, Kenya

Susan Ongalo is the Chief Executive Officer at Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) since 2015 to date) – the umbrella body for the private sector in tourism charged with advocacy for a conducive business environment for the tourism sector. She bags a wealth of work experience, with over 12 years in tourism and hospitality.

Professional Achievement

Mrs. Ongalo is a Public Relations and business manager by training. She has over the years added to her knowledge feathers in Advocacy, Management, Customer Relations, Disaster Management, Marketing and Leadership acumens.

She was instrumental in the setting up of the Secretariat/Administrative department at the Kenya Tourism Federation, as well as oversee the operations of the Safety and Communication Centre at KTF.

She serves on a number of committees and boards in the tourism sector:

  • Tourism work permit vetting committee – 2015 – to date
  • Tourism Fund board – 2019 – to date
  • Kenya National Convention Bureau – 2019 – to date
  • East Africa Tourism Platform (EATP – 2015 – to date


Academic Qualifications

  • Bachelor in Leadership & Management – International Relations
  • Advance Diploma in Public Relations
  • Champions (Diploma) in Occupational Health – Association of British Travel Agency (ABTA).
  • Ongoing Masters in Ethics in Organizational Leadership.

Professional Engagements

Has been a participant, presenter and panelist in various forums with a focus to tourism, travel and hospitality which included:

  • Response to Covid-19 for African Tourism 3 December 2020.
  • Ad Hoc Group Expert meeting (AEGM) 23 November 2020.
  • Africa Tourism Leadership Forum 25 – 26 October 2020.

Sebulon Chiliho Chicalu

Director of Tourism and Gaming in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Namibia

Business Strategist, Travel and Tourism Industry Expert, Product innovation and development Expert, Presenter, Negotiator, Speaker, Moderator, GALLUP Certified Strengths & Talent Development Coach, Mentor and Employee Engagement Expert. His talent DNA are Responsibility, Strategic, Futuristic, Focus, Self – Assurance.

He is a Director of Tourism and Gaming in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. He has over the years developed and launched many hospitality, tourism services & products and events. He has vast executive management and Board experience having worked as a Senior Manager and Board of Director in the travel, tourism, hospitality sector and medical fund industries in both private and public sector over the past 25 years.

 He is experienced in pragmatic strategic and tactical business management in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, strategic human capital, operations management, strategic marketing, product innovation and development, tactical corporate leadership, policy design & development, strategy formulation & implementation, employee relations and engagement, strength coaching and talent development, etc. He holds a Masters of Business Administration (MsM), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Advanced Diploma in Business Administration and Diploma in Marketing Management. He is certified in Corporate Governance and Certified GALLUP Clifton-Strengths Coach.

Jabulani Debedu

Principal Consultant, BDO Advisory Services, South Africa

Jabulani is a Senior Consultant with public and private sector experience in tourism and hospitality, property, infrastructure advisory, and economic development planning. Jabulani conducts feasibility studies, strategies, economic impact studies, financial assessments, business evaluations and general market research assignments.

Project experience

Some of Jabulani’s work involves conducting tourism product feasibility studies, business plans, business cases and transaction advisory in South Africa and a number of African countries. Most recently, Jabulani has been a lead consultant in the NDT’s Development of a Budget Resort Network, the CSIR ICC Accommodation PPP, feasibility study for a hotel development in Kigali, and the Commercialisation of the Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.

 Jabulani will present a workshop on “Business Advisory Expert Perspective – Understanding critical steps in financially modelling for SME funding in a post-Covid era”.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa

CEO - Tourism Business Council of South Africa

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa. Tshifhiwa is a strategic, versatile and innovative marketing, tourism, communications and business executive. His experience spans 20 years, with a track record of visionary leadership, strategic project development and execution, travel and tourism events management and communications.

Tshifhiwa holds an MSc in International Business, Leadership, and Management from the University of York, Bachelor of Business Administration on Marketing Communications (Institute of Marketing Management) Diploma in Marketing (Institute of Marketing Management) and a National Diploma in Tourism Management (University of Johannesburg).

In the 20 years since his first foray into the world of work, Tshifhiwa has worked for various companies in the tourism value chain including South African Tourism, Myriad Marketing, FEDHASA, Rennies Travel, SARS and others. He has also consulted for various companies.

Tshifhiwa has also served as a member of Tourism Transformation Council, Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, and currently serves on the global Board of Advisors for “The Sigmund Project” which supports innovation and collaboration in Tourism across the globe.

Tshifhiwa has positioned himself as a thought leader and advocate for the South African tourism sector. He is an ambassador for tourism development in South Africa and Africa. He regularly writes, debates and comments on tourism development and growth in South Africa.

Christelle Grohmann

Christelle Grohmann

Director - Advisory Services / BDO South Africa

Christelle has more than 23 years’ consulting experience and carries out and heads project teams for macro research, economic impact assessments, valuations, marketing and organisational strategies, market feasibility studies, financial viability assessments, business case assessments and transaction advisory assignments. 

Christelle has also facilitated numerous workshops and large meetings and is proficient in using a range of facilitation approaches and tools.

Didier Scaillet

CEO, Site and the SITE Foundation, Belgium

SITE Foundation for the last three years. During his tenure, the Society adopted a new Vision/Mission and Strategic Architecture, experienced record revenue, membership and retention, sealed new industry partnerships and developed new progams globally. For 18 years he held various roles with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and was vice-president business development for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

He has engaged and served on various industry forums and organisations: Joint Meetings Industry Council, Events Industry Council, Canadian Tourism Commission and United Nations World Tourism Organisation.

He was also instrumental in the development of the Meetings & Business Events Competency Standards, which was the backbone for the development of SITE’s competency-based education model for incentive professionals. Scaillet was named one of the most influential people in Incentive Travel in 2018.

Esmare Steinhofel

Esmare Steinhofel

Regional Director, Africa - International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), South Africa

Esmaré currently fulfils the role of Regional Director for Africa for the International Congress and Convention Association. Her key focus is to deliver ICCA services, products and events, for the recruitment and retention of members and for maintaining and enhancing ICCA’s reputation and awareness amongst target markets.

She has extensive experience in the international marketing and sales arena. Before joining ICCA, she managed the International Sales portfolio at the Cape Town International
Convention Centre (CTICC).

Prior to her joining the CTICC she worked at Arabella Starwood South Africa, promoting the 5* Westin Cape Town and the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa. She was also part of the opening team that started the Cape Town Convention Bureau where she fulfilled the role of promoting Cape Town to the meetings, incentive, conference and exhibition industry with a focus on Association Marketing and Research.

Esmaré is currently a member of SAACI, the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry, and has served on the SAACI National Board as Venues Forum Chair as is currently a Board member of the SAACI Western Cape Chapter. She also served on the Board of the African Society of Association Executives. She has been awarded the SAACI Fellowship Award in 2017 as well as the Top 40 Women in MICE in both 2017 and 2015.

Jerry Mabena

CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group

Holds a degree in industrial psychology and economics from Rhodes University he also holds a diploma in project management from Damelin and a post graduate certificate program in accounting and finance from Wits Business School Jerry’s extensive and highly successful business background is a testament to not only his strategic thinking, but also his passion for developing talented individuals and working as a team player.

Through his integrated approach to business, Jerry has achieved success in various senior executive positions at institutions including Unilever, J Walter Thomson, Ucingo Marketing, as well as being appointed as CEO at the following institutions: Kagiso Exhibitions and Events (2004 – 2007), Kagiso Property Holding (2007 – 2010), Thebe Property Management and CEO at Thebe Services (2011-2020)

Jerry is the CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group, currently he holds Board Directorship positions in following companies: Kruger Shalati, Motsamayi Tourism Holdings, Combined Motor Holdings, SRS Laundry, Thebe Corridors Company, Ornico Investments, Tourism Transformation Council of South Africa, Jurni, Sanctuary Mandela and Tourism Business Council of SA.

Barry Clemens

Chairperson, Innovation Challenge And Africa Tourism Innovation Hub, Kenya

With over 25 years of experience in the international Hospitality & Tourism industry, he has been a prominent presence in the field. He is currently leading the commercial activities for Portier Technologies, a company that provides the industry with technology which enhances the guest experience and enhances engagement with the hotel.

Barry was chosen as one of the Global 100 most influential leaders in the industry during the Global Mice Congress in Mumbai this year and has been a regular invited speaker at several international Hospitality & Tourism conferences around the world.

With proven commercial understanding, product, and business development skills, he has also been appointed to the adjudication panel for the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation competition. And will act as a mentor to one of the winners.

Zaim Muhammad

Travel & Tourism Consultant, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I am a Travel & Tourism Consultant working in the Middle East past 22 Years and have traveled to 76 countries (Botswana will be 77th).

My education background comes with Masters in Arts (PAK), LLB (PAK), MBA (UK) and Honorary Hospitality Degree (USA). I have rich experience while working with prominent international brands like Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Hilton International, Rotana and Movenpick. Explored the Hospitality Industry for 15 years, learned the insights by doing more than 100 courses with Online Hilton
University. From Hospitality moved to Travel & Tourism business in 2015 and did projects in Africa as Eco & Sustainable Consultant & Sweden as Hotel Consultant. Destination/Travel Specialist Certificates from
different Tourism Organizations after completing the courses. So far received Travel Specialist Certificates from Tourism Organizations of 25 countries.

Been UAE Advisory Board member for four years for the organization based in USA named HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International). To cover social part for the community, have been Vice President (Marketing) for Pakistan Association Dubai for few years. Vlogger on YouTube (Zaimjee) and other Social Media platforms.

Delivered lectures to Tourism Students in Universities like University of Europe in Rome Italy (June 2022) and Skyline University in Sharjah UAE (From 2016 until now). Have been Tourism Consultant of new projects for Govt of KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Province) in Pakistan in 2018.

I have done the feasibility study and presented to USAID in January 2021 for South Punjab, Pakistan. Have been speaker panel member in all major Travel Events in the world like WTM London, WTM Africa, ITB Berlin, ITB Asia Singapore, ATM Dubai, Innovation Conferences in USA & Europe and many more Lectures in different Universities in Portugal in coordination with Tourism Department of Portugal, Convention Bureau of Porto and Visit Al Garve (Dec 2022 & Jan 2023)

Joe Motse

Chairperson, Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana, Botswana

Mr. Joe Motse is the current Chairman of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB). HATAB is the leading voice in the hospitality and tourism industry in Botswana with its membership contributing to over 70% to Botswana tourism sector. The association represents 8 sub sectors namely Airline, Air Charter, Camps &Lodges, Conservation, Hotels, Mobile Operators, Services and Tour Operators.

Accomplished Executive with domestic and international experience, with over 25 years in communications and the travel and tourism industry. Currently serving as board member of Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB), former member of the Board of Directors at Air Botswana. He has previously held senior position at Botswana Tourism Board as the Founding Marketing Manager, Cresta Hospitality as the Group Sales & Marketing Manager, Air Botswana as the Commercial Director and at Debswana Diamond Company as Communications Manager, Orapa Letlhakane Mines at Head Office as Head Office as the Group Internal Communications Manager.

Joe has attended several international Air Transport Association Aviation Courses (IATA).

Founder and General Manager of Transjoe Investments, a parent company of Transjoe Tours and Market Linkz (Sales and Marketing Representation and Business Training Company).

Mikul Shah

Co-founder, Purple Elephant Ventures, Kenya

Mikul Shah is a foodie, travel enthusiast, angel investor and serial entrepreneur with over 20 years experience in mature and emerging markets. In 2010, having relocated from London to Nairobi, he founded the award-winning restaurant discovery portal, EatOut, which as grown to encompass some of the largest food festivals in the region, as well as assets in print and digital media. He is passionate about the role of technology for business in Africa and has served on the advisory boards of Africa Technology Ventures, Blankets & Wine, Safaricom SPARK Fund & UAP Old Mutual. After seeing a significant gap in the market, Mikul founded Nomad magazine with the mission to promote regional and domestic tourism in Africa, through high quality content. In 2020, Nomad was acquired by Purple Elephant Ventures, Africa’s first travel focused venture studio, which subsequently raised a pre seed investment round of $1m in 2022. Mikul is also the recipient of the Business Daily Top 40 under 40 Award and the Kenya Tourism Award for ICT. He has a BSc from the University of Manchester Institue of Science & Technology and is an alumni of the Stanford GSB Seed program in East Africa. 

Gobusamang Keebine

Managing Director, Inter Cargo Services {Pty} Ltd, ICS Travel and Tours, & ICS Aviation (Pty) Ltd, Botswana

Mr. Keebine is Chairman and Managing Director of Inter Cargo Services {Pty} Ltd, ICS Travel and Tours, and ICS Aviation (Pty) Ltd, Aviation Consultancy and Management organisations with a specific interest in the following:

Transport and logistics consultancy,  Travel Agency, Airline representation; airline marketing and sales; aviation safety; cabin crew training; dangerous goods handling and training; ICAO safety Oversight; Safety Management Systems /IOSA accreditation; cargo handling and marketing, Ground handling/baggage handling, aircraft spares supply, etc.

Mr. Keebine has aviation experience in of excess 30 years.

Mr. Keebine was CEO of Botswana Couriers, a logistics and transportation company.

Mr. Keebine is

  • Current President of Business Botswana.
  • Represent Private Sector in the National Covid 19 Taskforce Committee Chaired by H. E. President Masisi.
  • Co-chairs the High-Level Consultation Council chaired by His Excellency The President of Botswana,
  • Is a member of the National Aviation Security Council of Botswana,
  • Was a Board member and Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana;
  • Was the Vice President of Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry, and Manpower (BOCCIM)
  • Was the Transport Sector Chairman for the private sector in Botswana under the auspices of the Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM),
  • Was a member of the SACU (Southern African Customs Union) steering committee.

Mr. Keebine holds a Master’s degree in City Planning from Boston University, the USA, and a BA degree from the University of Botswana and Swaziland, Gaborone, Botswana.

Winnie Muchanyuka

CEO,
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

Ms. Winnet Muchanyuka is a seasoned aviation and tourism expert with an extensive background in both sectors. As the founding partner of Executive Concierge, she contributes to the travel, tourism, and hospitality consulting industry. With her leadership as the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, she played a pivotal role in promoting and developing tourism in Zimbabwe, contributing to a key economic sector. Ms. Muchanyuka’s involvement as the immediate past President of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe showcases her commitment to advancing the tourism industry. Her academic qualifications, including an MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Zimbabwe and an MBA from the University of Gloucestershire (UK), highlight her dedication to continuous learning. With over 30 years of experience in commercial and airport operations with various airlines, she brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Ms. Muchanyuka also devotes time to networking, mentoring, and engaging with women and young people, emphasizing her commitment to community and professional development.

Didier Dogley

Founder & Director of Inspire Tomorrow Consulting, Seychelles

Didier Dogley is an experienced sustainable development consultant, who has studied in both Germany and the United Kingdom at graduate and postgraduate levels.

He started his long career in the field of environment back in 1989, when he was employed by the Ministry of Environment. He served in the same ministry until April 2018 when he was appointed the Minister responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine. Before that he had held the posts of Director General for Nature Conservation, Principal Secretary of Environment, Special Advisor to the Minister of Environment and Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Energy.

During his tenure as Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr. Dogley was responsible for the tourism department including the marketing agency, airports, seaports and marine safety. He held the portfolio for two and a half years i.e. until November 2020. Both 2018 and 2019 were record years for visitor arrivals and receipts in revenue from the industry in Seychelles. As minister, he spearheaded the review of government policies and strategic plans for the various departments under his responsibility including the implementation of structural changes within the marine safety organisation. These changes were done with the aim of responding to the various sectors needs thereby ensuring greater effectiveness. The last 15 years of his career in the Government of Seychelles provided him with a sound knowledge of socio-economic and development challenges and opportunities Small Island Developing States like Seychelles face and a clear insight into government policy, legislative and strategic planning processes and mechanisms.

Over the years Mr. Dogley has developed outstanding negotiation skills, solid leadership in consultative and participative processes, excellent analytical skills and in-depth knowledge of sustainable development issues with a focus on the environment, tourism and the Blue economy. He has extensive experience in working with non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Mr. Dogley is the founder and Director of Inspire Tomorrow Consulting LTD Company. Since 2020 he has provided his services to a wide range of national and multilateral organisations.

 

 

 

Glenton De Kock

CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI), South Africa

Promoting positive community and economic growth in our neighbourhood” is an objective that drives Glenton daily.

Glenton’s public and private sector strategic management skills came in handy during the pandemic. His active role within the Business Events industry in South Africa and the Africa has aided his role as CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry (SAACI). With the pivotal role he played for the association and specifically with the formation of the South African Events Council, he was aptly placed in working across the public and private sector the past few years on behalf of SAACI members.

Having honed his tourism and hospitality skills during his tenure as Managing Director of Tourism Buffalo City (covering East London, King Williams Town and Bhisho) where he oversaw the development and implementation of the destinations USAID Funded Tourism Master Plan, as Chief Executive Officer of Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch) he refocused the organisations operating model, and as Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, which is now The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) he drove the implementation of the provinces international partnerships program.

As an Associate Director at KPMG he led the Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Unit for Africa and South Africa before moving onto Grant Thornton in a similar position. His position as Project Manager at the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber ensured that Business embraces its civil society role by driving a holistic approach which enables business within the Metro to work towards long-term sustainability, though projects such as the Nooitgedaght Low Level Water Scheme and the re-activation for the much needed Addo Road refurbishment.

Glenton’s business management experience cuts across various sectors, such as Tourism Hospitality, Petro-chemical, Mining and all spheres of government to name a few. He provides strategic input into his family footwear manufacturing business which employees 60 people and is run by his sisters.

Kennedy Agyapong

Chief Operating Officer, Culture Management Group, Ghana

Ken Agyapong Jr (Kenny) is a Ghanaian-American Entrepreneur and a Philanthropist. He attended public High School in the Bronx, New York and graduated top of his class.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Utica College of Syracuse in 2012. He further his education at Johnson Wells University, Providence Rhode Island in 2014 where he received his Master of Business Administration in Business Administration.

Kenny began his career in events and entertainment Management by organizing major parties while studying at Utica College of Syracuse in his dorm room.

As a child of first generation African immigrants, his West African roots are present in everything. He moved to Ghana in 2014 to work. As the Director of Net2TV a subsidiary of Kencity Group, a company owned by his family.

In 2015 Abdul; his good friend from New York, came up with an idea to have a festival in Ghana and consulted Kenny to partner him to plan it. After two years of research and planning.

They settled on an afro-festival dubbed Afrochella. The maiden Afrochella (now Afrofuture) took place in the year 2017 at the Polo Club in Accra- Ghana, and has become the biggest culture festival in West Africa under the company ‘Culture Management Group’.

Lily Rakorong

CEO, Hospitality & Tourism Association of Botswana, Botswana

Accomplished Executive with 26 years of successful experience in providing strategic, operations and transformational leadership in challenging areas within the Hospitality and Tourism industry both locally and internationally.

Currently she is serving as the CEO of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB). Overseeing 460 companies which makes up the entire hospitality and tourism subsector being Camps & Lodges, Hotels, Mobile Operators, Tour Operators, Airline, Air Charters and Services.

Some of the Non- Executive positions that Lily held and some she continues to hold are with the following boards and committees;
1. Served as a Chairperson of RETOSA (Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa)
2. Council member of Business Botswana (The Voice of Private sector in Botswana)
3. Board member of Botswana Wildlife Training Institute
4. Member of High-Level Consultative Council Meeting, chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana
5. Served as a board member of Botswana Vision 2016 Council
6. Member of Tourism Development Fund Committee
7. Member of Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Tourism Committee
8. Former Board Member of Botswana Business Coalition on Aids(BBCA)
9. Former member of the Tourism Industry Training Fund

She is passionate about leadership, diversity, equality and inclusion. Lily is also an experienced resource in policy, regulation, advocacy and communications skills that has a unique ability to motivate and inspire change.

Agnes Mucuha

EO, Kenya Association of Travel Agents, Kenya

Agnes Mucuha is the Chief Executive Officer for the Kenya Association of Travel Agents. She is a graduate of the United States International University (USIU), with over fifteen years of experience in aviation, travel, hospitality, and real estate industries. Agnes has worked in
management positions in major organizations e.g Qatar Airways, Fairmont Hotels, Sarova Group of Hotels, and Alliance Capital Partners.

Agnes is a member of the Chandaria School of Business Advisory Committee at the United States International University – Africa.

She is actively involved in the National Strategy Team for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and has made extensive contributions to the Intra-Africa travel agenda. She is a technology-led leader who leverages data analytics and research in rebuilding and repositioning the travel and tourism industry.

Agnes was nominated as a Tourism Heroe in 2020 by the World Tourism Network for her extensive contributions to rebuilding the travel industry during the Covid19 pandemic. She was awarded the I Change Nations Award in 2021 for her leadership and dedication to the travel and tourism industry in Kenya.

She is a servant leader of the Ignatian Spirituality, Contemplative Leadership Action centered on the call to serve for the common good of all. She is married and a mother of two wonderful children.

Samantha Muna

Co-founder, Group MD & Business Development Leader, Trainum Hospitality, Kenya

A 28-year career in hospitality spanning hotel operations, hospitality consulting and hotel development or investment advisory. Samantha is currently the co-founder, Group MD and Business Development Leader at Trianum Hospitality, East Africa’s leading 3rd party hotel management company for hotels and extended stay serviced apartments.

The Trianum portfolio comprises of 7 properties, 5 independent serviced apartment complexes with 179 units, 1 hotel with 109 rooms and 1 apart hotel that has an international franchise. Our full year performance for 2022 saw recovery at 2019 levels yet with revenues 11% higher than pre-covid levels.

Samantha previously directed Hilton’s expansion in Eastern and Southern Africa and also worked with HVS working on more than 40 hospitality projects in East Africa. She has been a General Manager with the Tamarind Group and has worked with hotel asset management firm CHM in Beverly, MA. Her career spans three continents in USA, Europe and Africa.

She holds a Masters degree in Hospitality Management (MMH) specialised in Hotel Real Estate Finance from Cornell University, USA, a Bachelor of Science degree in International Hospitality Management from Hotel School Les Roches, Switzerland and a Diploma in Hotel Management and Administration from Kenya Utalii College.

Lee-Anne Bac

Director, BDO Advisory Services, South Africa

Lee-Anne Bac is a Director at BDO Advisory Services Johannesburg with more than 20 years experience consulting to clients in the tourism, hospitality, leisure and property sectors in South Africa and the rest of Africa.  Lee-Anne’s consulting experience includes strategic planning, market and financial feasibility studies, financial evaluations, business valuations, economic impact studies, socio-economic impact studies, market research and demand assessments and strategic management consulting.

Lee-Anne holds a BSc degree in Microbiology and Zoology from the University of the Witwatersrand and an MBA degree from the University of Cape Town.  She joined BDO Advisory Services in 1997 as a Senior Consultant and was appointed as a Director of BDO Advisory Services in September 1999.

Lee-Anne is regularly quoted in the printed press about issues relating to the tourism, hospitality and property industries and with regard to women in business and she regularly presents at industry functions, workshops and conferences.  

Lee-Anne is passionate about the transformative role of tourism in economies and societies.  As her commitment to enhancing sustainable tourism, Lee-Anne is a Director of Fair Trade Tourism (FTT).

Lee-Anne is a member of the national executive of the Woman’s Property Network in South Africa and was a recipient of the Women’s Property Network “Excellence in Property” award in 2013.  She is also a member of SAMRA – the South African Market Research Association.

Jeanette Moloto

Director: Global Sales South Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa & West Africa Marriott International Regional Office, South Africa

Jeanette Heads up the Global Sales Office for Marriott International for the Sub-Saharan Africa Region, focusing on driving commercial strategy for the biggest hospitality company in the world. Combine entrepreneurial drive with business-management skills and an in-depth understanding of the African continent sums up Jeanette. Doing business in over 18 African Countries. Creating unconventional go to global sales and marketing strategies across the globe. Jeanette is an award winning strategist and passionate about her work in Africa. Speaking on her favorite theory  “There is no global without Africa” that has seen her continuously represent the continent in some of the most biggest platforms and markets around the world.

Sandile Chipunza

Manager – External Affairs & Sustainability - Africa, IATA, South Africa

Sandile Chipunza is IATA’s Manager – External Affairs & Sustainability – Africa and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

His responsibilities include ensuring that IATA’s members’ priorities and needs are met, implementing IATA policies and promoting its products and services to contribute to meeting Industry expectations as set out by IATA’s Board and Leadership.

Central to this role is solid Advocacy for the value that Aviation contributes to the African Continent and also contributes expertise in Aviation Industry solutions.

Prior to taking up the role of Manager – External Affairs & Sustainability – Africa, Sandile was Manager, Advocacy & Strategic Relations, Africa from being an Aviation Solutions Manager for Southern Africa. Before IATA, Sandile was with Airlink as a Regional Manager – Africa for seven (7) years, after also spending seven (7) years with SAA setting up new SAA managed operations in Zimbabwe and Zambia. He has over 25 years’ Experience in both Aviation and Travel & Tourism Sectors. Sandile holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Managements from the University of South Africa and also holds various Diplomas with IATA.

Ridhwaan Suliman

Senior Researcher, Information and Cyber Security Centre, CSIR, University of Johannesburg, NITheCS, South Africa

Ridhwaan is a senior researcher in the Information and Cyber Security Centre within the Defence and Security cluster of the CSIR, Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg, and Associate at the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences (NITheCS). He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. He also has a background in engineering, with Bachelors, Honours and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering, as well as experience working in the Aeronautics and Defence Industry. His research involves the modelling and design of physical systems within the computational mechanics domain, using computational tools and physics to better understand and design these systems. More recently, he was been involved with the analysis of Covid-19 data and trends in South Africa, using this analysis and data to drive and inform decision-making and policy. He has published in international ISI-rated journals and presented at various national and international conferences. He has served on the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) Technical Working Group, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), the National Policy Data Observatory (NPDO), as well as the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI)

Ben Anane Nsiah

Deputy CEO – General Services, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana

Mr. Benjamin Anane Nsiah is the Deputy CEO – General Services:  Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) based at the Head Office in Ridge, Accra. He previously handled the Marketing, Special Events and Ashanti Regional managerial portfolios of his organization and has over two decades experience in tourism development and management at different levels.

He is bilingual (French/English). He holds a Masters in Tourism Management from the University of Cape Coast and a Bachelor of Arts (French/Economics) from the University of Ghana, Legon.

He takes his civic responsibilities seriously and has served as an Election Observer in some of the previous elections held in Ghana. Mr. Anane Nsiah is married with two children   

Dr. Lesedi Tomana Nduna

Lecturer: Tourism, University of South Africa, South Africa

Dr. Lesedi Nduna is a lecturer in Tourism at the University of South Africa. She is an experienced academic who has been active in the field since 2010. In addition to her academic work, she is also a speaker and conversation moderator. Her research interests are centred around sustainable tourism, with a specific focus on agritourism and its potential as a catalyst for achieving sustainable development goals. Dr. Nduna holds a PhD in Tourism Management, where she developed an agri-literacy and PsyCap model for agritourism in South Africa. This operational model is designed to help agritourism operators develop and market their businesses sustainably. Over the years, she has authored several papers, including a book chapter, and has presented her research at both international and domestic tourism conferences. She is also dedicated to education, teaching third-year-level modules in sustainable tourism development.

Dr. Brian Ngwako Mahosi

Lecturer, University of South Africa, South Africa

Dr. Brian Ngwako Mahosi (formerly Mokgatetswa) is a lecturer who specializes in Entrepreneurship and currently serving as the section head for Entrepreneurship in the Department of Applied Management, at the University of South Africa (Unisa). He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration from North West University (NWU) and an Mtech in Entrepreneurship from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). He is also a part-time lecturer at TUT and has coordinated various entrepreneurship, business management, and healthcare administration modules. He has co-authored several journal articles and presented several conference proceedings, while also reviewing several papers for conferences including the International Business Conference 2019, 2021, and 2023, BRICS Research Forum, and SAIMS 2023. He has been invited by BRICS Project 2.0 to serve as one of the Community of Practice Researchers and his role includes that of a mentor to postgraduate students.  

Alan Renaud

Principal Secretary, Department of Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Ministry of Transport, Seychelles

Alan Renaud is Seychelles’ Principal Secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine since November 2018.

Prior to his appointment as Principal Secretary, Alan served as General Manager for Revenue Management, Partnerships and Government Affairs at Air Seychelles, capping a 15 year career where he served as General Manager Corporate Affairs, Head Corporate
Planning, and Head Training Academy, among other executive positions.

As Principal Secretary, Alan:

  • Presided over the retirement of all of Seychelles landing and departure cards in 2022, creating a true paperless border entry system;
  • Presided over the launch of Africa’s first biometric corridor at an international airport
    in December 2021, being the second to achieve this in the world after the UAE;
  • Served as Project Director for Seychelles’ new digital Travel Authorisation System,
    launched in September 2020 to assure the re-opening of borders in the safest
    manner
  • Led the inauguration of Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority Bill in 2020
  • Presided over Seychelles’ accession to nine new multilateral air treaties in 2019 and
    2020
  • Presided over Seychelles’ accession to five new multilateral maritime treaties in 2019
    and domesticating the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code in 2020
 

Alan most recently served as

  • Alternate Head of Delegation at ICAO’s 41st Assembly;
  • Co-chair of the High-Level Djibouti Code of Conduct Meeting in Dubai, June 2022 to discuss the development of regional capabilities against new and emerging threats
    to maritime security in the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
 

Alan has been an invited speaker and panelist at the

  • The 6th Border Management and Identity Conference, December 2022
  • Africa’s Travel Indaba on Connectivity and Market Access Opportunities, May 2022
  • UNWTO Statistics Workshop, July 2021
  • IMO’s Regional Webinar on challenges faced by seafarers and identification of best
    practices for the COVID-19 pandemic, October 2020
  • UNWTO/ICAO Ministerial Conference on Tourism and Air Transport in Africa in Cabo Verde, March 2019
  • IATA Aviation Day – Africa held in Abuja, May 2016
  • ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) held in Bali, December 2014.

He served as moderator at the

  • Second ICAO Meeting on the Sustainable Development of Air Transport in Africa held in Antananarivo, March 2015.

 

He is a magna cum laude graduate of Cornell University in Applied & Engineering Physics.

Nosiphiwo Mahlangu

Lecturer: Tourism Management, University of South Africa, South Africa

Ms Nosiphiwo Mahlangu is a lecturer at the University of South Africa. She has a Master of Commerce in Tourism Management from the University of Pretoria, with her dissertation focusing on how Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) advance business tourism in a destination. She is a member of the Golden Key Honours Society. She participated in the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders program and was identified and nominated to participate in the 2023 Young Academics Programme. She has 8 years of experience in research and fieldwork, ranging from local, provincial and national project, both in South Africa and Lesotho as well as 9 years lecturing tourism at various universities in South Africa. Nosi has  co-authored a book chapter and multiple conference proceedings. She is passionate about the grow and contribute to local economies.

Akwasi Obeng-Adjei

Director of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management and Insurance, Absa Group, South Africa & Project Lead, Africa Tourism Innovation Hub

He is the Director of Group Internal Audit: Investment Management and Insurance at Absa Bank South Africa and an academic with a vested interest in the Futures as a discipline. He has presented on this subject matter at several conferences and organisations and has received numerous accolades. He is a PhD Candidate (Wits) and holds an MBA (Stellenbosch), MCOM (Wits), BSc Hons Management (UJ), BSc IT & Mathematics qualifications.

Dr. Kwesi Eyison

Vice President - Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF)

Dr J. Kwesi Eyison is an entrepreneur and business executive with transformational leadership credentials in the public, private, corporate and organisational sectors of the Ghanaian socio-economic landscape/environment.

Dr Eyison is the Vice President of Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the Vice Chairman of the Ghana Sector Skills Council (Tourism & Hospitality Sector), the immediate past President of Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) and a member of the steering committee of the Public Private Partnership Forum (PPPF) of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) & The Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture (MOTAC).

He is the founder and CEO of Pacific Tours, Pacific Solutions (Advertising & Marketing Communications Consultancy Firm affiliated with the ICOM global network), Pacific Digital Marketing and Pacific Eyison Farms.

Kwesi is a certified United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Practitioner and an accomplished Marketing Communications consultant and practitioner. He is a member of the African Tourism Board and the International Advertising Association (IAA).

He holds a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the SMC University, Switzerland, Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with Marketing Major from the University of Ghana, Legon and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Biochemistry and Food Science from same University. He has professional graduate diploma degree from International Professional Managers Association (IPMA) and is a certified International Labour Organisation (ILO) Skills For Social Inclusion in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).

Dr. Eyison is Travelife/Global Sustainability Tourism Council Certified Sustainability Manager in Ghana with commitment to maximising the positive impact of social and environmental sustainability of Tourism in Ghana.

Kwesi is also a certified Google Analytics Professional/Practitioner and Digital Marketing facilitator with transformational agenda on digitalisation in the Tourism Industry in Ghana.

He is a Promoter and Advocate of Tourism & Hospitality Sector Skills Development in Ghana for Skilling Up; Reskilling & Upskilling of industry practitioners, the youth and the underrepresented for social inclusion in Ghana.

He is married with three children.

Beatrice Chaytor

Head of Trade in Services, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana

Beatrice Chaytor is an international trade lawyer, called to the Bar in England and Wales as well as Sierra Leone, with around 30 years experience in providing advice and support to African governments in their engagement with regional and international trade policy processes. She is currently Head of Trade in Services in the AfCFTA Secretariat and works on the negotiations and implementation of the Agreement on establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Ms Chaytor has previously run her own law firm, Chariot Eight in Freetown, Sierra Leone, providing legal services to local, regional, and international clients on a range of corporate law matters including trade, investment, natural resources, and environment.

She has also worked with the International Lawyers and Economists Against Poverty (ILEAP), as welle as a Senior Trade Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Sierra Leone, on assignment by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Prior to her assignment in Sierra Leone, Beatrice worked for nine years as Senior Lawyer, and then Programme Director, at the Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development (FIELD) in London.

Ms Chaytor is interested in research and analysis on a range of legal and economic policy issues affecting Africa. She also has private sector interests in horticulture, packaging, design, and well-being.

Katlego Mphahlele CA (SA)

Senior Deal Maker, Tourism & Services Unit, Industrial Development Corporation, South Africa

Katlego Mphahlele CA(SA) is a senior deal maker in the Tourism and Services Unit within the IDC.
Katlego has over ten years’ experience in sourcing, structuring and leading investment proposals in
Tourism. Katlego is also a director in a clean-tech innovation company as well as a member of the
adjudication committees for the DTIC’s SPII and THRIP programmes.

Daphine Natacha Lekipaik

Junior Expert, Trade in Service, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana

Daphine Lekipaika is an International Trade Expert with a distinctive focus on Trade in Services and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). In her current role at the AfCFTA Secretariat, she plays a pivotal role as a junior trade expert, actively contributing and supporting to thenongoing negotiations on trade in services and IPR within the AfCFTA framework. Having accumulated relevant knowledge and experience over the years, Daphine Lekipaika’s expertise extends to various aspects of trade negotiations. Her insights into the complexities of regional integration dynamics and Africa’s continental trade negotiations have positioned her in the field of international trade law.

With her passion for the subject matter, unwavering commitment to African integration, and in-depth understanding of Trade Law, Daphine Lekipaika’s continues to be a driving force to contribute to the realization of the AfCFTA’s ambitious goals and the promotion of a more
integrated, inclusive and prosperous continent.

Gorata Gabaraane

Chief Executive Officer, Fairground Holdings PTY LTD.

Gorata Gabaraane is the Chief Executive Officer of Fairground Holdings PTY LTD.

Mrs. Gabaraane has more than 17 years in the Hospitality sector, 4 of which were in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions sub sector. The balance of her experience was in the hotel industry as General Manager of various hotels, Coordinator of the Cresta Management Development Programme as well as Special Projects Manager.

Apart from being a hospitality industry player of repute, Mrs Gabaraane has also held senior roles in Strategy and Quality Management at LEA and the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre.

Gabaraane attributes her success as a leader by growing organisational capacity by continually building a new crop leadership.

In addition to her BSc in Hotel Management, she holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Derby in the United Kingdom. She is also an accredited ISO 9001-2008 Lead Auditor as well as an accredited Balanced Scorecard Master professional.

Natalia Rosa

Project Lead, SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, South Africa

As Project Lead for the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, Natalia Rosa spearheads efforts to enhance tourism across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance serves as a driving force for responsible travel and tourism development within SADC. This non-profit, membership-based association fosters collaboration between private and public sector stakeholders to elevate the value, quality and sustainable expansion of regional tourism.
 
Under Natalia’s leadership, the Alliance engages tourism stakeholders across SADC to raise destination visibility, address skills gaps, facilitate knowledge sharing, and advocate for improved accessibility. With extensive experience across the travel and tourism sectors in South Africa, Natalia is well-positioned to guide the Alliance’s initiatives. She holds leadership roles including Executive Chair of the Travel Lifestyle Network and board member of FEDHASA Cape.
 
Natalia also serves as CEO of Big Ambitions, a Cape Town-based communications and marketing firm specialising in travel and tourism. Her specific interests include exploring practical applications of artificial intelligence in the tourism sector. Armed with a Master’s in Publishing and a strategic business mindset, Natalia merges communication expertise with tourism industry knowledge and connections. 

Memory Momba Kamthunzi


Executive Director, Malawi Tourism Council, Malawi

IATA/UFTAA accredited consultant in International Travel and Tourism, with over thirteen years’ experience in Senior management. An entrepreneur, travel sales and Marketing expert. The Current Executive Director of the Malawi Tourism Council.

Nonnie Kubeka

Head of Gauteng Convention & Events Bureau, South Africa

Nonnie Kubeka currently Heading the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau (GCEB) in South Africa. Nonnie has 25 years of experience Destination Marketing within the Business Events Industry. Highly skilled project management with a Bachelor of commerce, MBA in strategic Marketing degrees. Before heading the GCEB, she held various positions in including being a Commercial Director of the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Her current role is to create and execute business strategies to position Gauteng as a Premier international MICE destination.

In her current role, Nonnie has been recognised by Forbes Africa Woman her influential role in Business events industry, nominated in the Africa Business Leadership Awards, named amongst the Top 40 Women in MICE and recently awarded the ICCA Inspirational Woman Award 2018 by the International Conference and Convention association. She served on the several Association boards in Africa, SAA, Airchefs, Cape Town Tourism, Sandton Tourism, SA Travel Centre, Southern African Association of Convention Industry, and currently serving in UNISA Tourism Advisory Board, Vaal University of Technology advisory board, SAAIA Advisory board and ICCA Educational Committee.

Nonnie has also served as a deputy chairperson in the ICCA Africa Chapter, assisted in increasing Africa chapter membership by supporting the launch of the African Society of Association Executives to encourage meetings to be held and rotate around the Africa continent and contributing to co-creating the first ICCA Africa Client supplier workshop. She has been a panel member in several discussions about how the South African business events sector can create jobs and boost the economy.

Under the direction and leadership of Nonnie, the Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau is tasked to market, promote, foster and develop business tourism and events in the province. Within her scope of work, Nonnie developed a business events strategy for the province and initiating and implementing bidding, hosting and marketing activities nationally and internationally that have generated over 44 000 employment opportunities for women, youth a, assisted in growing SMME businesses and contributed over R10bn to the Gauteng Economy. Additionally, she is responsible to develop strategic partnerships with suppliers such venues, airlines, associations, educational institutions, professional conference organizers, tour operators, event and exhibition planners in South Africa and other countries, as well as support establishments and events that help put the province on the map.