Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Hospitality Leaders discuss supply chain challenges at African Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) 2023

Published

3 years ago

on

African Hospitality Investment Forum

How intra-African trade measures, technology and a new generation of hospitality leaders are challenging “business as usual”

NAIROBI, Kenya, June 14, 2023/APO Group/ — 

For too many years, African hospitality leaders have worked incredibly hard to maintain operational standards when critical products are unavailable to be sourced on time due to a myriad of reasons, from changing trade restrictions, poor transport infrastructure, currency fluctuations, and supply chain breakages.

This week leaders across the hospitality sector have descended into Nairobi city, the vibrant capital of Kenya and hub of East Africa, to join the annual African Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) (www.AHIF.com) to discuss growth opportunities in the region, and to share their learnings from the last year including developments across the trade and operational landscape. Attending is Toggle Market’s CEO, Fuad Sajdi, and VP of Africa, Abraham Muthogo Kamau, where they have been leading discussions on leveraging local and regional sourcing, and the innovative ways the sector is reducing operational costs.

Supply chain challenges in Africa have been one of the primary obstacles for economic growth and diversification, with businesses continuing to pay inflated prices for nearly every consumable and operational product that is not locally grown or manufactured – where even then it is more profitable to export outside the continent than to cater to the regional market due to weak intra-trade regulations.

Today there are promising signs that this status quo is changing fast.

The African hospitality industry is in the throes of a massive transformation. The catalysts? Ground-breaking trade measures, rapidly evolving technology, and a fresh generation of visionary leaders. These forces are challenging the traditional “business as usual” mindset and reshaping the African hospitality landscape.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest free trade area globally since the formation of the World Trade Organization, is set to significantly bolster intra-African trade. By reducing trade barriers, it allows a more fluid movement of goods, services, and people across borders. The ripple effect will be profound, with the hospitality sector one of the many industries reaping the benefits of this regional integration.

Breaking with the Past

The lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic have been harshest on the world’s largest continent which has for so long relied on suppliers in far flung countries, most heavily on goods from China, European Union (EU) countries, United States and India.

Take for instance South Africa which remains the largest importing country in Africa at 17% of all imports in the region. Its largest import partners in 2023 were China at 21.9%, followed by United States at 8.8%, Germany at 7.3%, India 5.8% and the UAE 3.6%.[1] The next largest importing countries are Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya and Ghana.

The elephant in the room is that Intra-African trade still stands at only 15.2%, a poor showing when compared with intra-continental trade figures for America, Asia, and Europe, which stand at 47%, 61%, and 67%, respectively, and which should be at the head of the pan regional efforts to support trade and business. Much of this is due to multiple trade restrictions that exist in the region and between neighbouring countries for instance.

The recent World Bank 2022 AfCFTA report[2] shows that the borders between African countries rank among the most restrictive in the world and is the main reason there is relatively little intra-African trade and investment.

The impact of this in real terms is putting the break on the growth of regional businesses while limiting the flow of the international supply chain which in turn heavily relies on intra-African trade routes (where goods are transported across several borders by land routes) due to poor infrastructure and lack of trade and custom harmonisation.

For locally grown African hospitality investors and operators, the supply chain challenges remain acute, and ramifications have meant consistent delays in the growing pipeline of projects, along with sometimes turbulent price fluctuations on shipping and logistics services, as well as effects of weakened domestic currencies.

Our research across Toggle Hospitality clients in Africa has shown examples of multiple duties paid in this way to receive goods crossing several borders resulting in highly inflated pricing for essential products and equipment.

Trade Cooperation and Collaboration

The good news is that there are signs across all industry sectors of more joined up thinking and increased regional cooperation. For instance, amongst East African nations there has been a noticeable increase in activities across both government backed and private sector efforts through the multiple alliances that exist such as the East Africa Business Council, the East African Chamber of Commerce and Trade, and the East African Association.

In addition, the highly lauded and anticipated rollout of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement is geared to be the largest free trade region in the world based on the number of countries – at once connecting 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion and with a major potential as well to lift over 30 million people out of the poverty line.

For this to succeed there will need to be mutual and significant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures to reduce red tape, simplify customs procedures, and make it easier for African businesses to integrate into global supply chains. The upside is a boost of income gains around $300 billion.

The role of technology and the importance of a knowledge-based economy will increasingly be a driving force for transforming economic prosperity. The latest report from UNCTAD has warned that neglecting the high knowledge-intensive services, such as information and communications technology services and financial services, will be a key reason holding back export diversification in Africa.[3]

A new generation of hospitality leaders in Africa making waves

One of the most exciting outcomes of more regional integration is the rise of home-grown hotel chains that are now expanding beyond their respective national borders. In 2022, intra-African travel accounted for 40% of the total number of hotel guests in the continent, up from 34% in 2019, according to the African Development Bank. This increase is partly attributable to the easing of travel restrictions and the growth of African hotel chains.

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), forecasts 134 million visitors by 2035. These figures make it the second fastest growing region in tourism after Asia Pacific.

We are delighted to be participating this year at AHIF 2023 which continues year on year to help shape the African hospitality industry and spotlight investment opportunities

This new wave of hospitality brands is being led by a dynamic generation of African leaders who understand the local markets and are at the forefront of developing more viable value-based networks and forging stronger regional partnerships. These individuals are harnessing the benefits of the AfCFTA, using innovative practices to enhance the hospitality experience with a unique African flavour that can cater better to the African consumer needs while at the same time offering global standards of service. For example, today over 80 percent of safari lodges in South Africa are managed by indigenous brands and a part of the tourism sector that generates around 70 percent of hospitality revenue. This segment is growing rapidly across the region.

“There is a major paradigm shift taking place with progressive trade policies and cutting-edge technology. This new generation of leaders are poised to redefine the essence of hospitality in Africa. We are delighted to be participating this year at AHIF 2023 which continues year on year to help shape the African hospitality industry and spotlight investment opportunities,” said Abraham Muthogo Kamau, VP of Africa at Toggle Market.

Technology is a driving force behind this transformation. Digitization is permeating every facet of the hospitality experience from reservation systems to room service, with growing numbers of hotels now using a form of smart-room technology or employing AI-driven services such as chatbots for customer service and offering mobile apps for reservations and in-stay services.

The integration of technology has also enhanced efficiency and sustainability within the sector. African hotels can see up to 30% increase in energy efficiency and 25% reduction in water usage, thanks to the adoption of smart technologies.

Although Africa only receives 5% of the regional share of worldwide tourism[4] this number is rising after the Covid slump with 2022 seeing 47 million tourists returning to the continent after the high of 69 million in 2019.  UNWTO forecasts 134 million visitors by 2035 making it the second fastest growing region in tourism after Asia Pacific. There is also robust and growing domestic tourism within Africa as increasingly middle-class families and younger travellers opt for more local and regional travel.

The supply chain, too, has been revolutionized by both trade facilitations and technology.

A recent survey revealed that the average lead time for supply delivery dropped by 15% in 2022. This improvement is due to more streamlined cross-border processes and the implementation of digital supply chain management systems. Moreover, the increased use of this technology has led to more resilient and responsive systems. More hotel chains can now track their supply deliveries in real-time, forecast demand more accurately, and react swiftly to changes in the market.

The wave of change isn’t confined to the large chains alone. It’s being felt in every corner of the industry, from boutique hotels in Accra that blend modern design with traditional Ghanian culture, to eco-friendly lodges in the Maasai Mara that champion sustainable tourism.  

As intra-African trade continues to flourish and the technological landscape evolves, the African hospitality sector is preparing for an exhilarating future. This new era is being ushered in by ambitious, tech-savvy leaders who are ready to shake off the old and bring forth the new.

[1]South African Revenue Service – https://apo-opa.info/43XrVVF

[2]World Bank 2022 AfCFTA report – https://apo-opa.info/3Pc2JXx

[3]UNCTAD Economic Development in Africa Report 2022 – https://apo-opa.info/3N8IuqL

[4]UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Toggle Hospitality Insights.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Port Community Systems (PCS) as the crisis backbone: how trade disruption makes digital port infrastructure non-negotiable (By Alioune Ciss)

Published

4 hours ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

Port Community Systems

With PCS, ports can dynamically allocate resources, adjust workflows, and reprioritize cargo flows using real-time data and coordinated processes

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 19, 2026/APO Group/ —By Alioune Ciss, Chief Executive Officer, Webb Fontaine (https://WebbFontaine.com).

When global trade flows normally, Port Community Systems (PCS) are often viewed as efficiency tools. They digitize paperwork, connect stakeholders, reduce delays, and improve visibility across port ecosystems. However, the true impact and strategic importance of PCS become most apparent when a crisis hits.

Whether caused by geopolitical conflict, canal restrictions, rerouted shipping lanes, cyber risk, labor disruption, or sudden regulatory shifts, modern supply chain shocks remind us that ports without strong digital coordination struggle to adapt, whereas ports with robust PCS infrastructure are better positioned to keep cargo moving. In today’s environment, PCS has become a critical infrastructure.

Disruption is not an exception anymore

Global maritime trade has entered a more volatile era where disruption is structural. Let’s review the recent events to understand the scale of impact:

  • Around 2,000 ships were reportedly stranded during the recent Strait of Hormuz (https://apo-opa.co/4dii0lb) crisis.
  • The Red Sea crisis (https://apo-opa.co/4dz5gFA) led to more than 190 attacks on vessels by late 2024, forcing widespread rerouting and increasing transit times by up to two weeks.
  • The Suez-linked corridor (https://apo-opa.co/4dz5gFA), which carries roughly 10–12% of global maritime trade, experienced sharp volume declines during the disruption.
  • Supply chains across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe faced cascading effects, including congestion, cost increases, and schedule instability.

At the same time, the global port industry itself is undergoing rapid transformation. According to the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), ports are accelerating digitalization and strengthening resilience capabilities in response to geopolitical and operational uncertainty. This is the new reality: routes shift, volumes spike, and conditions change faster than traditional systems can handle.

Why PCS matters most during a crisis

When vessel schedules collapse, or cargo volumes suddenly spike, physical infrastructure alone is not enough. Cranes, berths, gates and yards also need coordination. That is where PCS becomes the backbone of resilience.

A PCS is not just a digital tool; rather, it’s a shared operational layer. It connects shipping lines, terminals, customs, freight forwarders, transport operators, and authorities through a single data environment, enabling synchronized decision-making across the ecosystem.

Instead of exchanges through emails, phone calls, Excel files, or siloed systems that generate delays and errors, the PCS enables seamless and real-time coordination.

1. Real-time visibility across the ecosystem

When vessels are delayed or rerouted, fragmented communication becomes a liability.

PCS enables real-time visibility across:

  • vessel arrivals and berth planning
  • cargo status and documentation
  • customs readiness and inspections
  • gate operations and inland logistics

Instead of fragmented updates, stakeholders operate from a shared, trusted data environment.

When shipping lanes shift overnight, policies change, and when uncertainty increases, the strongest ports are the ones that are the most ‘connected’

In a crisis, the speed of information becomes the speed of recovery.

2. Faster decision-making under pressure

Sudden disruptions create immediate operational stress:

  • surges in transshipment volumes
  • yard congestion risks
  • inspection bottlenecks
  • inland transport delays

Without digital coordination, responses are reactive and slow.

With PCS, ports can dynamically allocate resources, adjust workflows, and reprioritize cargo flows using real-time data and coordinated processes.

3. Customs and border continuity

Cargo cannot move if border agencies cannot move.

According to joint guidance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), interoperability between Customs systems and PCS is essential for coordinated border management, risk control, and secure data exchange (https://apo-opa.co/3PLcs9P).

In crisis conditions, this becomes critical. Governments must introduce new controls, risk filters, or emergency procedures quickly, without disrupting trade flows. PCS enables this  balance.

4. Trust and transparency for the market

Importers, exporters, and carriers can tolerate disruption more than uncertainty. What they need is visibility.

PCS provides transparency across the supply chain, allowing stakeholders to track cargo status, anticipate delays, and plan accordingly. This transparency builds trust and reduces the systemic risk of panic-driven inefficiencies.

Operational resilience is the key

As we all know, the classic PCS discussions focus on key KPIs such as:

  • reduced turnaround time
  • fewer documents
  • lower administrative cost
  • faster truck processing

But today, the most important KPI is “readiness”: If a major trade corridor shifts tomorrow, can your port ecosystem adapt in real time?

To answer “Yes” to this question, a future-ready PCS should include:

  • real-time event management
  • integrated stakeholder communication
  • predictive congestion alerts
  • interoperability with customs and regulatory systems
  • scalable architecture for demand spikes

“For years, ‘efficiency’ was key when it comes to PCS. However, today, the key is ‘resilience’… When shipping lanes shift overnight, policies change, and when uncertainty increases, the strongest ports are the ones that are the most ‘connected’… Therefore, we should treat PCS as a crisis backbone of trade, not an IT efficiency initiative.
[Alioune Ciss, CEO, Webb Fontaine]

The Next Evolution: Intelligent PCS

PCS is now entering a new phase. Next-generation systems are evolving into data-driven platforms that support predictive analytics, AI-enabled decision-making, and proactive risk management (https://apo-opa.co/4eQ93Rg).

In other words, today, ports need systems that help orchestrate responses. Solutions such as Webb Ports (https://apo-opa.co/42F3gqq) from Webb Fontaine reflect this shift. By connecting all port stakeholders through a unified platform, anticipating congestion before it happens, simulating operational scenarios, and optimizing resource allocation dynamically, we enable faster coordination, better visibility and more agile responses when disruptions occur.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Webb Fontaine.

 

Continue Reading

Energy

Rand Refinery Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as Silver Sponsor Amid Regional Market Expansion Strategy

Published

4 hours ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

Energy Capital

African Mining Week 2026 will showcase lucrative investment, partnership, and knowledge-exchange opportunities across Africa’s gold downstream sector, as Rand Refinery intensifies its investment and expansion strategy across the continent

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 19, 2026/APO Group/ –Amid a strategy to expand from a South Africa-focused refiner into a pan-African downstream leader, Rand Refinery has joined African Mining Week (AMW), an Influential African Mining Conference, scheduled for October 14-16, 2026 in Cape Town, as a silver sponsor.

Rand Refinery’s participation reflects a broader strategic alignment between the company’s expansion agenda and AMW’s focus on supporting and enabling local beneficiation and promoting artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) responsible sourcing frameworks.

 

In terms of volumes, the latest market information indicates that Africa produces 1000tpa of mined gold (more than any other continent), with large-scale mining (LSM) and ASM being almost evenly balanced (500tpa production each). On its current trajectory, African ASM volumes are expected to eclipse those of LSM.

 

The focus on ASM as a transformational imperative is valid, and Rand Refinery is an active participant in the precious metals supply chain, working alongside other upstream and downstream actors to ensure that the communities and countries with gold resources benefit in a sustainable manner.

 

Under the theme Mining the Future: Unearthing Africa’s Full Mineral Value Chain, AMW 2026 offers a critical interface between refiners, miners, regulators, and financial institutions, as African countries intensify efforts to capture more value from responsible mineral production.

 

A key pillar of Rand Refinery’s 2026 strategy is its expansion into high-growth gold markets beyond South Africa. In January 2026, the company partnered with Ghana’s Gold Coast Refinery (GCR) to support the Ghana Gold Board to locally refine artisanal and small-scale (ASM) gold and elevate responsible sourcing standards in West Africa. The partnership also positions Rand Refinery in a rapidly growing and historically fragmented supply segment: ASM operations, enabling the company to enhance traceability and strengthen compliance with global standards for ethical sourcing and anti-money laundering.

 

The partnership potentially allows the monetization of ASM supply streams in the formal gold ecosystem, complementing Rand Refinery’s established role in refining output from responsible large-scale producers. AMW 2026 represents a timely platform for the company to provide an update on its projects and contribution to Africa’s gold sector.

 

As demand for regional refining capacity expands, along with central bank buying programs, companies such as Rand Refinery will be crucial.

 

Central bank gold purchases are projected to average around 585 tons per quarter in 2026, underscoring sustained global demand. In Africa, gold now accounts for approximately 17% of total reserves – up from less than 10% in 2022–2023 – while physical holdings increased from 663 tons in 2022 to an estimated 738 tons in 2025.

 

This upward trajectory is driving demand for trusted refining and value addition services, positioning Rand Refinery as a key partner in the region. Against this backdrop, AMW provides a strategic platform for central banks and gold buyers to engage directly with one of the world’s largest integrated single-site precious metals refining and smelting complexes and strengthen regional beneficiation and national reserve strategies.

 

At AMW, Rand Refinery executives will participate in panel discussions and networking sessions, engaging stakeholders on partnership opportunities that support a more integrated, transparent and value-driven African gold ecosystem.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Business

Applications open for the 2027 Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) Africa AI Startup Program

Published

4 hours ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

Meltwater

Join a global community of AI entrepreneurs

ACCRA, Ghana, May 19, 2026/APO Group/ –The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST) (https://Meltwater.org), has opened applications for the second edition of the MEST AI Startup Program, a fully-funded, immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, product, and leadership skills to build and scale globally competitive AI startups.

Over a seven-month training phase, the MEST AI Startup program will provide founders with hands-on instruction, technical mentorship, and business coaching from global experts to develop AI-powered solutions. The top startups will then advance to a four-month incubation period to refine products, sharpen go-to-market strategies, and secure market traction. At the end of incubation, startups have the opportunity to pitch for pre-seed investment of up to $100,000 and join the MEST Portfolio.

We are excited to support the next generation of African AI founders through training delivered by some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry

The inaugural cohort brought together founders from seven African countries who are already building transformative AI solutions across industries. Building on the momentum of the first edition, the 2027 intake reflects MEST Africa’s continued commitment to ensuring African entrepreneurs play a defining role in the future of artificial intelligence.

According to Emily Fiagbedzi, AI Startup Program Director, the urgency of investing in African AI talent has never been greater.

“AI technology is advancing at an extraordinary pace, and meaningful participation in the global AI economy requires more than access to tools, it requires the ability to build,” she said. “This program is designed to help talented African founders develop solutions to real challenges while positioning them to compete globally. We are excited to support the next generation of African AI founders through training delivered by some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry from organizations including OpenAI, Perplexity, Google, and Meltwater”

For the 2027 intake, the program is open to African founders based in Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Kenya aged 21–35 with software development experience who want to start their own AI startup.

Apply now at https://apo-opa.co/3ReIQSI

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology (MEST Africa).

 

Continue Reading

Trending