Tag: Kenya 2023

  • Ghanaian Herbert Mensah Represents World Rugby Chairman at World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya

    Ghanaian Herbert Mensah Represents World Rugby Chairman at World Rugby U20 Trophy in Kenya

    The newly elected President of Rugby Africa will embark on a five-day visit to Kenya where he will officially represent World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont
    NAIROBI, Kenya, July 27, 2023/ — Herbert Mensah, the recently elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the governing body of rugby in Africa, is scheduled for a five day visit to Kenya. During his visit, Herbert Mensah will serve as the official representative of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont at the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament, where he will have the privilege of presenting the highly coveted trophy.

    The World Rugby U20 Trophy is an international rugby union competition organized by World Rugby. This tournament features men’s junior national teams, with players under the age of 20 showcasing their skills and passion for the sport.

    All 16 matches of the World Rugby U20 Trophy are actively taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, following its commencement on 15 July.

    It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy. Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams will be playing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa. The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing Japan, as the team that finished bottom in that competition (24 June – 14 July, South Africa) will drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.

    The participating teams have been divided into two challenging pools. Pool A consists of Scotland, Uruguay, USA, and Zimbabwe, while hosts Kenya join Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain in Pool B. This lineup promises an intense and captivating display of rugby talent and teamwork.

    “The World Rugby U20 Trophy not only showcases Kenya’s capability as a world-class sporting destination but also represents the collective spirit and passion for rugby that resonates across Africa. Together, we stand united in celebrating Africa’s presence on the global rugby stage,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.

    Herbert Mensah’s presence during the World Rugby U20 Trophy reflects the significance of this event and his representation of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont symbolizes the strong collaboration between Rugby Africa and the global rugby community.

    “Africa hosting two World Rugby U20 tournaments consecutively will be exciting to witness and serves as the perfect build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 which is just under three months away. Both South Africa and Kenya have proven their ability to host global age-grade competitions in the past and I have no doubt that these editions will be successful with great interest from local crowds”, said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

    As Kenya continues to welcome the world for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. Follow the journey, witness remarkable athleticism, and celebrate the passion for rugby in one of Africa’s most vibrant nations.

    More information about the World Rugby U20 Trophy: https://apo-opa.info/3q4lbXQ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
     
    Media contact:
    Nicole Vervelde
    Communication Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
    rugby@apo-opa.com
  • Boosting Africa’s Job Creation and International Tourism

    Boosting Africa’s Job Creation and International Tourism

    Africa’s Top Rated Hospitality Investors due Nairobi

     ……As Africa Hospitality Investment Forum(AHIF 2023) Holds

     Story: Mohammed Abu

    The Organizers of Africa’s premier hospitality industry event, the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum(AHIF),the Bench, announced on Wednesday that, Africa’s top notch and largest hospitality industry investors are due, Nairobi, Kenya and would be live on stage for the 2023 edition of the event.

    The investors the official announcement said, include Olivier Granet, Managing Partner & CEO, Kasada Capital Management, Alyshia Mangalji, VP Europe & Africa, Westmont Hospitality Group, Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director, CG Corp Global and more.

    Investors of their caliber, the announcement noted, can help to fund projects that create thousands of jobs and boost international tourism, which is a major source of export revenue for many African countries.

    Their presence, alongside numerous other hotel owners, it added, has attracted top hospitality executives, government ministers, officials, bankers, consultants, and industry experts from over 50 countries to network and discuss the most pressing issues affecting the development of hotels across the continent.

    The AHIF program will cover a wide range of topics, including global risks and their impact on Africa’s hospitality industry, achieving net-zero targets, implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, access to capital, transformational travel, hotel development challenges and opportunities, hotel financing criteria, successful tourism entrepreneurship, operational excellence, the importance of human skills, alternative accommodation, emerging market dynamics, the latest trends, the future of hospitality investment in Africa and more.The event is further enhanced by AviaDev Real Estate, which overlaps with the last day of AHIF.

    It offers high-level discussion and case study presentations on successful airport real estate projects. Pre-set appointments will connect the owners and operators of African airports to those with the finance, expertise, and contacts to help them maximise revenue from their airport infrastructure, including from hospitality, as well as retail, cargo, warehousing, and other activities.

    Sponsored by Host Partner, Actis and Westmont Hospitality Group, Radisson Hotel Group; Reception Host: Kasada Capital Management; Accor, Aleph Hospitality, BWN Hotels, CHIC, CityBlue Hotels, Colliers, Equate, Hansgrohe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Insignia, among several others, AHIF 2023 offers a highly influential speaker line-up that includes:

    Hon. Peninah Malonza OGW, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife Kenya

    Haitham Mattar, MD MEA & SW Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts

    Peter Greenberg, Travel Editor, CBS News

    Rajan Datar, Host of BBC Travel Show & BBC World News

    Pat Thaker, Economist Intelligence Unit

    Thomas Mundy, Head of Capital Markets Strategy & Research EMEA, JLL

    Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels

    Catherine Hendry, Principal: Property Finance Africa, Nedbank

    Srividya Jagannathan, Manager Consumer and Social Services, International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group

    Vimbai Masiyiwa, CEO, Batoka Hospitality Group

    Karim Cheltout, Regional Vice President, Lodging Development Africa & All-Inclusive EMEA, Marriott International

    Trevor Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality Group

    Billy Cheung You Tung, Chairman of the Board, Century Park Hotel and Residences Ltd

    Dupe Olusola, CEO, Transcorp Hotels

    Hamza Farooqui, Founder & CEO, Milat Investments

    Wytze Van den Berg, VP EMEA, BWH Hotels

    Daniel Silke, Political Futures Consultancy and an array of other impressive individuals, discussing more topics such as empowering women, green tech, and regional sourcing.

    “We feel honoured to have such an exceptional list of speakers for this year’s Africa Hospitality Investment Forum,” said Matthew Weihs, Managing Director of the bench.

    “Their expertise and unique perspectives will undoubtedly produce enlightening discussions on the key issues shaping the African hospitality industry. Thanks to their engagement and our commitment to providing a platform for industry leaders to connect and collaborate, AHIF will continue to play a vital role in driving investment and growth in the sector.” Mr.Weihs intimated.

    The Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF) is the premier gathering of industry leaders, investors, government officials, and hospitality professionals in Africa. It provides a platform for discussing investment opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and promoting sustainable growth within the African hospitality sector.

    With its dynamic program, influential speakers, and networking opportunities, AHIF drives investment and development across the continent.

    Over the past 25 years, Bench has established a legacy for delivering business forums and conferences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. It has built a reputation for delivering immersive virtual events, energizing masterclasses and innovative B2B digital strategies for its clients.

    For more details about AHIF, which takes place on 12th – 14th June in Nairobi, and to register for the event, please visit www.ahif.com.