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The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) Heads to Cape Town for the First Time for its 13th Edition

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AHIF

New Format Promises Enhanced Networking, Hands-on Workshops, Interactive Insights and Country Showcases

This year’s event will offer invaluable opportunities for delegates to connect with top decision-makers, explore new partnerships, and gain insights from industry leaders

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, November 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), Africa’s premier conference for tourism and hospitality investment, is gearing up for its 2025 edition in Cape Town. Taking place from 17 to 19 June at The Westin Cape Town, AHIF 2025 will introduce an innovative, dynamic format aimed at fostering new partnerships and facilitating deals within Africa’s rapidly expanding hospitality sector – one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant visitor economy, provides the perfect backdrop for AHIF’s annual gathering. Moreover, the South African hospitality industry is projected to grow from USD 1.36 billion in 2024 to USD 1.68 billion by 2029, driven by increasing traveller numbers and a resurgence post-COVID-19. 

Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of The Bench, the organiser of AHIF, commented: “We are excited to bring AHIF to Cape Town, a city that embodies the energy and potential of African hospitality. This year’s event will offer invaluable opportunities for delegates to connect with top decision-makers, explore new partnerships, and gain insights from industry leaders. AHIF is where the future of African hospitality is shaped. By offering delegates the chance to explore Cape Town, we are adding a unique layer of value to their participation. The connections made and the insights gained from these hands-on experiences will be invaluable as we work together to drive investment and development across Africa.”

The new format, which is focused on networking and tailored insights, has been carefully designed to go beyond the conference rooms, introducing country pavilions from across Africa to showcase the latest opportunities in the region to investors. The advantages of the new format include personalised itineraries, hands-on workshops, roundtables, enhanced networking, and insights on economic trends. Focused on C-level hospitality and tourism investment decision-makers, AHIF continues to be exclusively focused on those who are shaping the future of hospitality in Africa.

Daniel Silke, political economist, emphasised the potential impact of AHIF: “The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum is taken seriously as an industry-leading event globally. It addresses one of the most intriguing and exciting markets, Africa, where growth rates remain high, and demographic shifts, urbanisation, and an increase in air connectivity are driving substantial interest from hotel groups. AHIF stands out not just for the expert speakers and deep insights, but also for fostering personal connections that are invaluable in this dynamic industry.”

With opportunities growing at an unprecedented rate, AHIF is more than a meeting; it’s a catalyst for action, insight, and strategic partnerships that are shaping the continent’s hospitality future.

For more information, visit www.AHIF.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Bench.

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APO Group Named Africa’s Leading PR Agency in 2025 Brands Review Magazine Awards

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APO Group

Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –APO Group (http://www.APO-opa.com), the leading, multi-award-winning pan-African communication and media relations consultancy, is proud to announce that it has been named the winner in three award categories by Brands Review Magazine, a renowned UK-based media publication dedicated to covering key industry sectors worldwide.

APO Group was named Best PR Agency Africa 2025Leading Communication Consultancy Africa 2025, and Leading Press Release Distribution Platform Africa 2025. These accolades mark another milestone for APO Group, solidifying its position as the leader in public relations and communications services across Africa.

These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa

Brands Review Magazine acknowledges outstanding businesses and industry leaders globally, highlighting organisations that excel in their respective fields. APO Group’s achievements in 2025 build on a track record of excellence, having previously received multiple accolades, including the SABRE Awards for Africa, a Global Double Award Win at the 2023 World Business Outlook Awards, and recognition at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, where its Vice President of Public Relations, Rania El Rafie, was awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category.

Commenting on the awards, Bas Wijne, CEO of APO Group, said: “These awards confirm our commitment to providing exceptional media relations and communication services across Africa. They strengthen APO Group’s position as a trusted leader in the African communications sector, highlighting our unwavering commitment to quality and excellence.”

“We are honoured to be recognised by Brands Review Magazine and remain committed to delivering exceptional services to our clients across Africa.”

For over 15 years, APO Group has been at the forefront of strategic public relations and media engagement in Africa, helping clients enhance their brand visibility, build credibility, and connect with key audiences. Originally established as a press release distribution service, the company has evolved into a leading Pan-African communications consultancy, delivering impactful campaigns that shape narratives across the continent.

APO Group remains committed to setting new industry standards and driving meaningful engagement for businesses, institutions, and stakeholders across Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.

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Arab Fund and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) Join Forces to Upgrade Data Portal for Sustainable Development in the Arab Region

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UN-ESCWA

The three-year partnership will include hands-on workshops, the creation of knowledge sharing resources, and the development of innovative strategies to improve development indicators

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –The Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the Arab Development Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h645gR), a key online data resource for Arab countries. This collaboration aims to speed up Arab countries’ progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The portal is a regional knowledge and data platform providing access to reliable development data from various credible sources. The upgraded version will include tools powered by artificial intelligence tools, user-friendly dashboards and predictive analytics, offering valuable insights into economic trends, global benchmarks, and SDG indicators.

Partnership is at the core of our new strategy to maximize our impact on social and economic development across member countries

“This collaboration with the Arab Fund, representing ACG institutions, marks a pivotal step in strengthening data-driven, evidence-based decision-making across the Arab region. By enhancing data dissemination and accessibility, we empower policymakers and researchers with the insights needed to address critical challenges in economic development, public health, unemployment, climate resilience, and other key areas aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Rola Dashti, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of UN-ESCWA.

The Arab Development Portal (https://apo-opa.co/4h645gR) was established by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) (https://apo-opa.co/41ouIJ4), an alliance of 10 Arab development institutions including the Arab Fund.

“Partnership is at the core of our new strategy to maximize our impact on social and economic development across member countries,” said Bader Alsaad, Arab Fund’s Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Together with UN-ESCWA we will use our expertise and resources to create a data-driven approach that helps policymakers make informed decisions.”

The three-year partnership will include hands-on workshops, the creation of knowledge sharing resources, and the development of innovative strategies to improve development indicators. It will also strengthen connection between the portal and its sources and will offer specialized training on AI tools to boost skills in data management and analysis.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group).

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Scottish Africa Business Association Embarks on Pioneering Trade Mission to Kenya

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This mission will take place from 12-16th May and will focus on key sectors that promise mutual growth and innovation

ABERDEEN, Scotland, February 20, 2025/APO Group/ –The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) (www.AfricaScot.com) is excited to announce a trade mission to Kenya to explore new business opportunities for Scottish companies and institutions, supported by the Scottish Government. This mission will take place from 12-16th May and will focus on key sectors that promise mutual growth and innovation.

One of our key sectors of focus will be around exploring opportunities in both traditional and innovative energy solutions; our delegates will hear about how they can help enhance energy security and efficiency through strategic partnerships and technological advancements.  As Kenya leads East Africa in renewable energy production, Scottish companies specialising in wind, solar, geothermal and tidal energy will have the chance to find out more about the opportunities in country.

Building on the strong educational links between Scotland and Africa, the delegation will explore opportunities around vocational training, skills development, and university partnerships to empower the next generation

With Kenya’s extensive coastline and rich marine resources, the maritime and blue economy sectors offer vast potential. Our mission will explore sustainable practices in aquaculture, fisheries, marine transport and port logistics and infrastructure to boost economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems.

Seona Shand, Chief Operating Officer at SABA, said: “SABA’S trade mission to Kenya will feature a comprehensive and engaging programme designed to maximise the benefits for our participants.  We’ll be hosting B2B meetings, round tables, site visits, networking and receptions providing supreme opportunities for them to win new business.”

Scottish businesses should be interested in the Kenyan market – one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a diverse and resilient economic base

Scottish businesses should be interested in the Kenyan market – one of Africa’s fastest growing economies with a diverse and resilient economic base, as the largest economy in East Africa it serves as a gateway to a regional market of over 450 million people.

The country is a leader in renewable energy, with over 90% of its electricity coming from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind and solar power.  In addition, its growing youth population places high demand on quality education and skills development.  With Scotland’s globally respected higher education institutions and training providers, opportunities are abundant for leveraging talent in a pool primed for innovation.

Frazer Lang, Chief Executive at SABA, added: “We are pleased to be organising this trade mission to Kenya, a country with immense potential and a shared vision for sustainable growth. This mission represents a significant step towards strengthening our economic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration.  Scottish businesses can not only drive their international growth but contribute to transformative changes in one of Africa’s most vibrant markets.  Our thanks go to the Scottish Government for supporting SABA to help Scottish businesses in this market.”

Any Kenyan businesses interested in meeting with the Scottish delegation from the aforementioned sectors are encouraged to get directly in touch with the team from SABA, along with those interested in sponsoring or partnering with SABA.

For more information, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3X7L9qC).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA).

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