The recent Hotel Managers Conference Africa 2025, held in Lagos, brought together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss the future of hospitality in Africa and how to drive sustainable growth through global best practices.
As the hospitality industry in Africa continues to evolve, it is clear that the sector’s future will be shaped by a new wave of thinkers, innovators, and leaders who are reimagining the industry’s potential.
The conference marked a significant milestone in the development of Africa’s hospitality industry, highlighting the need for innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and investment in human capital. Industry leaders and experts converged to share insights, best practices, and experiences that will shape the future of the sector.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, emphasized the importance of adopting global best practices in the hospitality industry.
She noted that, “The conference provides a platform for industry players to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and build networks that will strengthen the sector’s resilience and competitiveness”.
L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinkae; Convener Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Olugbenga Sunday; Defense and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA) Abuja, Mrs. Oghogho G. Musa and Managing Director, MacFolly Hospitality Limited, Owners of Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, Barr. Chike Ogeah
The commissioner reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, security, and capacity development programs that enable the sector to thrive.
“This commitment is crucial in creating an enabling environment for the hospitality industry to grow and develop”, she insisted.
Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotel Group, highlighted the critical role that people will play in shaping the future of Africa’s hospitality industry.
He emphasized that, “Africa’s hospitality story is not new, but the chapter that the industry is about to write together will be different”.
According to Hala, “Africa’s future in hospitality will be powered by its own people, retooled, reimagined, and ready to lead”. This emphasizes the need for investment in human capital and the development of skills that are tailored to the needs of the industry.
Hala also stressed the need for innovative training models that are tailored to the needs of the African hospitality industry.
He noted that, “Outdated curriculums and instructors who have never worked in a five-star hotel are not equipped to prepare students for the demands of the industry”.
Hala advocated for, “Bringing classrooms into hotels, rewarding curiosity over conformity, and investing in VR, AI, and gamification – tools that speak to today’s digital-native youth”.
This approach will help to develop skills that are relevant to the industry and prepare students for the demands of the modern hospitality industry.
The conference highlighted the importance of hospitality as a driver of economic growth, employment, and cultural diplomacy.
Hala emphasized that hospitality is more than just service – it is strategy. He noted that when done right, hospitality can be transformational, driving economic growth, employment, and soft power.
Hala also highlighted, “The need for decentralization in the hospitality industry.”
He noted that, “Talent is not limited to major cities like Lagos and Nairobi, but can be found in smaller towns and cities. He advocated for regional hospitality hubs that can nurture and develop talent across the continent.”
The conference also focused on empowering young professionals in the hospitality industry. Hala urged young professionals to take charge of their careers, train hard, think globally, and act locally. He encouraged them to lead with audacity and build their own entrances if necessary.
The conference highlighted Africa’s vast potential in the hospitality industry. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, Africa has the potential to become a major player in the global hospitality industry.
As the industry looks to the future, it is clear that Africa’s hospitality industry will be powered by its people. With a focus on innovative training models, decentralization, and empowerment of young professionals, the industry is poised for growth and success.
Investment in human capital is critical to the development of the hospitality industry in Africa. This includes investment in training programs, capacity development, and skills development.
Technology will play a critical role in shaping the future of Africa’s hospitality industry. From online booking systems to mobile check-in and digital payment systems, technology will enhance the guest experience and improve operational efficiency.
The conference also highlighted the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry. Industry leaders emphasized the need for hotels and resorts to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental footprint.
Africa’s rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes are a major draw for tourists. The conference highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage sites and promoting cultural tourism.
The Hotel Managers Conference Africa Lagos 2025 had an impressive lineup of sponsors who are committed to the growth and development of the hospitality industry in Africa.
Some of the HMCA sponsors include IDS Next, which is the Headline Sponsor for 2025; OPay, Huawei/Augix, 21st Century Evolution, Ikogosi Warm Springs, Eko Hotels, Lagos Continental, Timeless Beach Resorts, Serene Hospitality, Tojum Hospitality, Monty Suites, Elomaz Hotels, Black Diamond, JS Signature, Radisson Blu, Presken Hotels, Glocient Hospitality, Hotel Managers School, and Rosmohr Hotels.
The conference also boasted an impressive lineup of globally rated hospitality experts, each bringing their unique expertise and experiences to the table. Dr. Belinda Nwosu, Faculty of Organizational Behavior & HRM at Lagos Business School. Mr. Olajide Abiola, Founder/CEO of Gidanka Abuja, and Dr. Michael Pinder, General Manager of JS Signature Hotel Port Harcourt.
Other notable speakers included Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels Lagos, and Ahmed Raza, District Director of Radisson Hotel Group Nigeria and Johnny El Ghobri, General Manager of Black Diamond Hotel Lagos.
The conference also featured a range of other expert speakers, including Mr. Emmanuel Michael, Director of Human Resources at Eko Hotels and Suites Lagos; Dr. Ebi Seimodei, General Manager of Ogeyi Place Port Harcourt and Mr. Sharafa Lanre Balogun, General Manager of Glocient Hospitality Limited Lagos;
Mr. Senan Goundjo, Founder of Hospitality Tech Show USA; Funke Olusoga-Ogunlade, Principal Hospitality Consultant at The Funkeo Company Lagos; Lydia Akunja, Lecturer at Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya; Amir M. Adamu, Founder and Executive Director of Innovation and Leadership Forum Cameroon; Mr. Pius Obaje, Managing Director of Presken Hotels Group; and Benedicta Ogar, Lead Consultant at Cavodah Hospitality Management Company Lagos are also among the notable speakers.
