In a powerful signal of Africa’s rising ambition to blend economic growth with environmental stewardship, the 9th Hospitality Sustainability Summit Africa (IHTEF 9.0) will unfold on May 22–23, 2026, at the prestigious Abuja Continental Hotel. Under the compelling theme “Investing in Africa’s Sustainable Hospitality Future,” this flagship edition promises to ignite transformative conversations at the intersection of capital, innovation, policy, and planet-conscious development. 
Organized by the International Hospitality, Tourism & Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF Africa), the summit arrives at a pivotal moment as the continent’s hospitality sector surges amid growing tourism, indigenous brand emergence, and urgent climate imperatives. Now in its ninth year, IHTEF has evolved from a premier forum into a dynamic platform where investment meets action—aligning global capital, governments, hotel giants, and sustainability pioneers to unlock bankable opportunities while championing ESG principles. 
Honourable Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, will grace the event as Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning tourism and hospitality as engines of inclusive prosperity. Her presence highlights strategic efforts to reposition Nigeria—and by extension, Africa—as a credible, investable destination on the global stage. 
A stellar lineup of speakers and stakeholders will enrich the dialogue, featuring industry titans such as Trevor Ward (Managing Director, W Hospitality Group), Dr. Soromidayo George (Nigerian Bottling Company), Ahmed Raza (Radisson Hotel Group), Karl Hala (Continental Hotels), and representatives from Afrexim Bank, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, and the Green Building Society of Nigeria. Major brands including Radisson Blu, Sheraton, and Onomo Hotels will join leading operators and a high-level delegation from The Gambia, amplifying the summit’s pan-African reach. 
Over two immersive days, more than 500 investors, policymakers, hoteliers, and innovators will engage in high-level panels, keynote addresses, masterclasses, and strategic networking. Highlights include the prestigious Green Hall of Fame Dinner, celebrating trailblazers in sustainable hospitality and responsible development. 
Executive Director Chibuikem Diala captured the vision succinctly: “IHTEF has evolved beyond a conference. It is now a platform where policy, investment, and industry expertise converge to shape the future of hospitality in Africa.” 
As Africa’s hospitality landscape blooms—green, bold, and opportunity-rich—IHTEF 9.0 stands as a beacon of pragmatic optimism: not merely discussing sustainability, but forging the investments, partnerships, and talent pipelines essential to realize it. Tickets and registration details are available via the official IHTEF platform. 
This is more than an event—it is a defining moment for a continent ready to welcome the world on its own sustainable terms.
