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Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa 2026 Announces Award Recipients: Vimbai Masiyiwa and Colin Bell to Be Honoured in Nairobi

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6 months ago

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Hospitality

The recipients will be celebrated as part of the event programme, including exclusive one-to-one interviews in which they will share reflections on their life stories, leadership journeys and the milestones that have shaped their impact on African hospitality

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, March 16, 2026/APO Group/ –FHS Africa (www.FutureHospitality.com/Africa), organised by The Bench, is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the prestigious FHS Africa Awards.

 

This year’s honourees are Vimbai Masiyiwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Batoka Africa, who will receive the Leadership Award, and Colin Bell, CEO of Natural Selection and former CEO of Wilderness, who will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Award.

Both awards will be presented in Nairobi during FHS Africa 2026, taking place from 31 March to 1 April 2026. The recipients will be celebrated as part of the event programme, including exclusive one-to-one interviews in which they will share reflections on their life stories, leadership journeys and the milestones that have shaped their impact on African hospitality.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Batoka Africa, Vimbai Masiyiwa is shaping a new era of African hospitality. The company operates a portfolio of luxury safari properties in Zimbabwe, grounded in conservation, sustainability and community empowerment.

Hospitality, at its best, connects guests to wild places in meaningful ways while safeguarding those places for generations to come

Under her leadership, Batoka Africa has championed responsible tourism that protects biodiversity while creating meaningful economic opportunity for local communities. Masiyiwa is recognised for advancing gender inclusion in leadership and for building an African-owned brand that competes confidently on the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in shared value and local impact.

Commenting on the award, Vimbai Masiyiwa said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the FHS Africa Leadership Award. For us at Batoka Africa, hospitality is about stewardship, of land, of culture and of opportunity. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and the communities we work alongside in Zimbabwe. I look forward to sharing our journey in Nairobi and celebrating the continued evolution of African-led hospitality.”

Colin Bell is one of the most influential figures in African conservation tourism. Through his leadership at Natural Selection and previously at Wilderness, he has helped shape a model of high-end, conservation-driven safari experiences that balance commercial success with environmental stewardship. Over the course of his career, Bell has played a central role in expanding conservation tourism into new territories, strengthening partnerships with governments and communities, and demonstrating how hospitality can directly support biodiversity protection and local livelihoods. His work has positioned African safari tourism as a global benchmark for sustainable luxury.

Colin Bell said: “I’m deeply grateful for this recognition from FHS Africa. Hospitality, at its best, connects guests to wild places in meaningful ways while safeguarding those places for generations to come. I look forward to reflecting on that journey in Nairobi and celebrating the collective effort of so many people who have shaped Africa’s conservation tourism story.”

Matthew Weihs, Growth Director at The Bench, added: “Vimbai Masiyiwa and Colin Bell are two exceptionally worthy winners. Both have redefined what leadership in African hospitality looks like – purpose-driven, commercially astute and deeply committed to community and conservation. We cannot wait to showcase their stories and personal journeys on stage in Nairobi at FHS Africa 2026.”

FHS Africa 2026 will bring together hospitality investors, owners, operators and industry leaders from across the continent and beyond for two days of forward-looking discussion, high-level networking and celebration in Nairobi.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa).

 

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Dongfeng Motor’s 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival Kick Off in Wuhan

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10 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users

WUHAN, China, September 24, 2026/APO Group/ –On September 14, Dongfeng Motor’s (​http://www.Dongfeng-Global.com/) 10th Science and Technology Innovation Week and 1st User Lifestyle Festival kicked off in Wuhan. With the theme “ Wind from the East, Creating a Smart Life,” the event showcased the innovative achievements of a Chinese automaker in intelligent and green mobility, as well as its global expansion.

 




 
 

At the opening ceremony, Dongfeng Motor unveiled the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan, the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan, and the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan. Among them, the “Sky-Clean Zero-Carbon” Plan leverages the “1331” framework to build an integrated vehicle-energy ecosystem, aiming to achieve more than 1 million tonnes of coordinated carbon reduction annually and promote the transformation of automobiles into mobile energy assets; the Embodied Intelligent Vehicle All-Domain Protection Plan adopts a “1+6+4” technology system to establish a new paradigm for all-domain vehicle safety in the era of embodied intelligence; the “Sky Horizon Voyage” Plan establishes a “125” global business strategy, with plans to invest RMB 50 billion and launch more than 50 vehicle models, while striving to achieve overseas sales of 1.5 million vehicles by 2030.

 

Over the course of ten editions spanning a decade, Dongfeng Motor’s Science and Technology Innovation Week has further strengthened the connection between technology and users. At Dongfeng Motor’s 1st User Lifestyle Festival, more than 240 owner representatives from its various brands gathered in Wuhan. Dongfeng also launched the “Dongfeng Youxin” service brand for its broad user base, establishing a full-lifecycle user service system.

On the same day, the 72nd International Commercial Vehicle and Parts Exhibition opened in Hannover, Germany. Three Dongfeng hydrogen-powered vehicles and a 400-kilowatt fuel cell making its global debut are on display at Booth C20 in Hall H12.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Dongfeng Motor Corporation.

 

 




 

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Global Mayors Dialogue in Wuhan focuses on urban innovation and cooperation

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16 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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WUHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Global Mayors Dialogue · Wuhan and the 2026 Wuhan International Friendship Cities Cooperation Conference, held from Sept. 18 to 21, brought together 80 international guests from 24 cities across 22 countries, according to organizers.

At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.

Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
 




 
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.

Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.

“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.

Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.

He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.

He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.

Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection

Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.

Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.

Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation

Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.

Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.

Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.

After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.

Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan

Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.

Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.

During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.

“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.

Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology

Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.

Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.

“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.

After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.

He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.

Turkistan: five areas for cooperation

Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.

Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.

Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.

Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.

The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.

During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
  




 

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Showcase Indian Ocean Convenes Private and Institutional Capital Across the Region’s Luxury Corridor

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17 hours ago

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September 24, 2026

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The re-positioned, fourth edition of the flagship real estate summit highlights the Indian Ocean corridor as a proving ground for the world’s most recognisable luxury hospitality brands and independent operators, representing one of Africa’s most compelling investment stories

PORT LOUIS, Mauritius, September 23, 2026/APO Group/ –Showcase Indian Ocean, formerly the API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum, is returning as a high-impact capital and investment summit that focuses on Mauritius as the centrepiece of a wider regional story where island destinations are maturing through capital investment, tourist demand and innovation.

 




  

Backed by API Events’ decades of B2B real estate, capital and hospitality events experience and headline-sponsored by Cushman & Wakefield | Broll, the event takes place at the InterContinental Resort Mauritius on 8 October. Now in its fourth edition, the event has been rebuilt around the transition from high-churn sales to institutional-grade investment, with a programme spanning regulatory changes, private credit, capital structuring and the integration of Agentic AI into dealmaking.

A maturing hospitality investment market

“The Indian Ocean is home to some of the most iconic destinations globally and the hospitality sector’s relative maturity is evidence of this, while the region still presents numerous entry opportunities for those not present,” says Wayne Godwin, Group Managing Director: International Markets, Broll Property Group.

Spearheaded by investment, real estate and hospitality leaders, the Indian Ocean Showcase programme will explore how capital is deploying across a corridor extending from Mauritius to the Maldives, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Madagascar, Réunion and Mozambique.

From growth potential to investable opportunity

The summit will also explore the growing prominence of GCC family offices and sovereign wealth funds in resort investment, alongside the shift from passive fund allocations into direct deals in hospitality, branded residences and mixed-use property.

“For investors, the opportunity across this market is not simply about identifying where growth is happening, but understanding where the fundamentals are strong enough to support investable real estate. Connectivity, infrastructure, demand and the ability to execute will increasingly determine which opportunities translate into successful transactions,” says Calvin Crick, Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield | Broll Transactions.

Emphasis will be placed on capital-light development models and the use of branded residences to compress developer entry requirements, evidenced by a wave of branded openings from global and independent hotel groups. The investment case is further underpinned by tourism demand, with Mauritius, the Seychelles and Zanzibar all posting record visitor arrivals in 2025.

Understanding distinct markets and occupier needs

We’re excited to continue our legacy in the Indian Oceans region with this repositioned event

While hospitality remains a key component of the region’s investment story, the opportunity extends across a broader real estate landscape.

“The Indian Ocean should not be viewed as a single real estate market. Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Réunion each have distinct economic, regulatory and occupier dynamics, creating different opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in the region. For occupiers, understanding these local market conditions will be critical to making informed real estate decisions,” says Natasha Bruwer, Managing Director: Occupier Services, Cushman & Wakefield | Broll.

The broader agenda will examine the growth drivers shaping the region, alongside lessons learnt from mature markets and against the backdrop of new flagship projects. It will also explore emerging investment themes, including the Mauritius Real Estate Index, green bond structuring against DFI and institutional ESG bankability requirements, and emerging asset classes such as senior living, digital-nomad multi-stay models, resort logistics and asset tokenisation.

A dedicated design and development track will examine how two decades of master-planning quality have shaped long-term investor confidence in the market.

Beyond hospitality

“Beyond hospitality, the combination of high ease of doing business, economic maturity, and growth makes this an attractive region for commercial, industrial, retail, residential, and other real estate asset classes. As Cushman & Wakefield | Broll, we are delighted to support this event and are pleased to have this exciting partnership in place,” says Godwin.

“We’re excited to continue our legacy in the Indian Oceans region with this repositioned event, designed to answer questions of capital structure, regulatory positioning and long-term institutional confidence across the entire corridor,” says API Events Commercial Director, Murray Anderson.

“The decision to move from a traditional property forum to a capital, investment and hospitality-focused summit reflects the rapidly changing geopolitical environment, surging tourism demand and the maturation of Indian Ocean island economies.”

Event snapshot:

8 October, InterContinental Mauritius Resort

300+ global attendees (investors, operators, developers and financiers).

60+ speakers across 14 sessions

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

 




 

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