At the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub, we believe that accelerators and incubators are essential to fueling connections and growth for cutting-edge researchers and ambitious entrepreneurs. That’s why we have created a physical space that brings together researchers, creators, and innovators to nurture ideas in the tourism industry, including developing new product development.
Ready to be part of a dynamic community of tourism innovators? It all starts here. Join the Africa Tourism Innovation Hub and unlock exclusive access to a world of opportunities, learning, and collaboration. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned researcher, or simply passionate about the future of African tourism, our platform is your launchpad.
For the first time since the pandemic, business flight bookings have exceeded 2019 levels, a key milestone in the recovery.
Travel technology (also called tourism technology, and hospitality automation) is now a norm and critical strategic imperative for firms, destinations, travel trade and the industry as whole, and Africa is not an exception.
Destinations are evolving as people have started booking travel farther from home. Long-haul leisure travel, shot up to just -7% below pre-pandemic levels by the end of April. There is also an increase in demand for sustainable travel.
Throughout 2021, traveling by car was the preferred mode of transportation but now buses, cruises and trains are seeing an uptick in bookings.
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Angella Mueni, an astute Business & Finance Consultant with vast knowledge in Business, Finance, Human Resources and Administration, with over fifteen (15) years’ experience, is a seasoned Board Director at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), Africa’s premier events destination that offers exemplary international standard services.
In KICC, she offers her expansive expertise to the Board of Directors and Management with the aim of steering the Corporation’s MICE (Meetings, Incentive travel, Conferences/Conventions & Exhibitions) business innovatively and sustainably delivering world class services in Business Events.
A strong believer in the power of positive thinking, fairness, and equity in the workspace, Angela prides herself on her contribution that has positively enhanced efficiency in service delivery and heightened customer satisfaction at KICC.
Angella is passionate in driving the government’s Kenya Youth Empowerment agenda and is using every opportunity availed to her to push this agenda by urging the Youth to exploit their innate innovative ideas that are not only limited to technology but also in areas such as travel, tourism, and MICE.
It is against this backdrop that Angella will be part of the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Innovation Hub Advisory Panel during the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit and Challenge.
Founder and Head of Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
Prof Michael Twum-Darko, Ghanaian-South African, obtained his PhD in Information Systems from University of Cape Town (RSA), Masters in Computer Science from American Institute for Computer Sciences in Birmingham, Alabama (USA) and Honours Degree in Computer Science from now Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (Ghana).
Michael spent thirty-two (32) years as a lecturer Computer Science, Business Information Systems, strategic management in Ghana, Botswana, and South Africa. He has also spent 13 years out of the 32 years as an IT Project Management and Software Development consultant and IT/Business strategist in South Africa.
Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Analysts and Programmers (UK) and has served on many high-profile committees in Botswana and South Africa as an academic, and IT/Business strategist
He is currently the acting Head of the Graduate Centre for Management and the founder and Head of Centre for Business Innovation and Incubation (BIIC) in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at Cape Peninsula of University of Technology.
Lecturer, Coordinator & Learning Development Facilitator, University of Johannesburg
Maipato Caroline Mmako is a lecturer, Coordinator and Learning Development Facilitator at the University of Johannesburg. Passionate about student success and student development, she has worked on an initiative called Africa by bus where she planned, organized, and facilitated 3 trips across 3 African countries with more than 250 students by bus. She presented at the South African National Resource Center (SANRC) on how the Africa by bus initiative encourages experiential learning and affords young people the opportunity to experience the different cultures in Africa while exploring the beautiful continent.
She forms part of the first cohort of fellows who were part of the Tennessee State University Research programme with a focus on student learning and adaptation; looking at the Nashville Next Plan. She loves working with young people and that saw her working in collaboration with a youth organization in Soweto where she led, collected, and donated over 250 books for the Nelson Mandela Day book drive.
She is also an avid reader and loves traveling.
Department Head, Senior lecturer, Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Namibia
Dr Isobel Manuel holds a PhD in Tourism and Hospitality, a Postgraduate Diploma in Heritage Conservation and Management, a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (Cum Laude) and a Master in Leisure Project Management. She is at present employed as a senior lecturer in the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek. She is also the Head of Department which oversees both the academic department and commercial NUST Hotel School.
She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors at the Windhoek Country Club and Deputy Chair of the Council on the National Arts Council of Namibia. Her involvement in local community projects and activities speaks to her portfolios on the various government boards and of which she takes great pride to be able to share skills and knowledge for the upliftment of the respective entities which in turn benefits the community at large.
As a seasoned academic her research interests are of cultural, creative, heritage and sustainable tourism management which seeks to empower local communities more specifically women and which she has published in various journals and book chapters.
In her spare time, she is an avid reader of novels and biographies and enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids.
CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd, South Africa
Academic & Innovation Lead
Professor Keo Motaung is a trailblazing Biomedical Scientist, Full Professor, and Founder and CEO of Global Health Biotech (PTY) Ltd, with over 26 years of experience in higher education. Her career is defined by her dedication to teach, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly in advancing biotechnology and empowering women in Science ,Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Arts and Innovation (STEAMI). Throughout her academic journey, she has led significant efforts in teaching, designing curricula, and mentoring students, encouraging them to become not only scientists but also entrepreneurs. In 2016, drawing from her research into medicinal plants and tissue engineering, she founded Global Health Biotech, a company focused on plant-based medicinal technologies. One of its standout innovations is La-Africa Soother, a natural anti-inflammatory ointment for athletes and those with musculoskeletal injuries. For her ground-breaking innovation, she has received recognition from a wide spectrum of institutions because she has thrown the gauntlet in bridging the gap between science, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. Beyond her company, Professor Motaung serves as a board member of the Technology Innovation Agency, providing strategic guidance on technological innovation and commercialization. As Chairperson of the Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship Research within the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education initiative, she leads efforts across South Africa’s universities to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems. Her influence extends to shaping intellectual property policies as Chairperson of the National Intellectual Property Management Office Advisory Board, ensuring equitable IP management to support commercialization. A staunch advocate for diversity in STEAMI, Professor Motaung also works to create opportunities for women in science and technology, contributing to a more inclusive research environment. Her passion for science, innovation, and commercialization, combined with her leadership in capacity building and mentorship, positions her as a transformative force in biotechnology and entrepreneurship.
Director Of Audit: Wealth, Investment Management And Insurance, Absa. Internal Audit: Investment & PHD Candidate South Africa
He is the Director of Group Internal Audit: Investment Management and Insurance at Absa Bank South Africa and an academic with a vested interest in the Futures as a discipline. He has presented on this subject matter at several conferences and organisations and has received numerous accolades. He is a PhD Candidate (Wits) and holds an MBA (Stellenbosch), MCOM (Wits), BSc Hons Management (UJ), BSc IT & Mathematics qualifications.
Director Of Tourism, Ministry Of Environment, Forestry And Tourism, Namibia
Business Strategist, Travel and Tourism Industry Expert, Product innovation and development Expert, Presenter, Negotiator, Speaker, Moderator, GALLUP Certified Strengths & Talent Development Coach, Mentor and Employee Engagement Expert. His talent DNA are Responsibility, Strategic, Futuristic, Focus, Self – Assurance.
He is a Director of Tourism and Gaming in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. He has over the years developed and launched many hospitality, tourism services & products and events. He has vast executive management and Board experience having worked as a Senior Manager and Board of Director in the travel, tourism, hospitality sector and medical fund industries in both private and public sector over the past 25 years.
He is experienced in pragmatic strategic and tactical business management in the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, strategic human capital, operations management, strategic marketing, product innovation and development, tactical corporate leadership, policy design & development, strategy formulation & implementation, employee relations and engagement, strength coaching and talent development, etc. He holds a Masters of Business Administration (MsM), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Advanced Diploma in Business Administration and Diploma in Marketing Management. He is certified in Corporate Governance and Certified GALLUP Clifton-Strengths Coach.
Top 100 most influential leaders in Hospitality – Global Mice congress and awards 2019. Most influential Hospitality CEO for London – CEO Monthly Magazine. Lilizela Award judge for 5 consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018).
African Tourism Leadership Forum – Awards committee member & speaker, and current Chairperman of AYTIC. Recognised international speaker on hospitality & tourism topics. Advisory board member on several international institutions. Seedstar mentor. Barry has proven track record in successfully developing financially distressed businesses into profitable units.
With over 25 years of experience in the international Hospitality & Tourism industry, he has been a prominent presence in the field. He is currently leading the commercial activities for Portier Technologies, a company that provides the industry with technology which enhances the guest experience and enhances engagement with the hotel.
Barry was chosen as one of the Global 100 most influential leaders in the industry during the Global Mice Congress in Mumbai this year and has been a regular invited speaker at several international Hospitality & Tourism conferences around the world.
With proven commercial understanding, product, and business development skills, he has also been appointed to the adjudication panel for the Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation competition. And will act as a mentor to one of the winners.
Southern Africa Innovation Support (SAIS) programme Country Coordinator- Namibia based in NBII
Silas is the The Namibia Business Innovation Institute (NBII) of the Namibia University of Science and Technology in partnership with the National Commission on Research Science and Technology (NCRST) are the node of Southern Africa Start-up Award (SASA). He is a dedicated social innovator who is responsible for fishing, nurturing and cultivation of innovation ideas for the marketplace
Silas believes in partnerships and collaboration as a formidable tool to innovate and ultimately achieve a poverty free nation.
