Africa’s hospitality future should be home grown not on borrowed models – Hala
Future and growth of Africa hospitality business rest mainly in Africans themselves and not necessarily on borrowed models of development.
The Group General Manager, Continental Hotel, Karl Hala, made the assertion in a paper titled “Reimagining African Hospitality: Powered by People ,Built for the World” at the Hotel Managers Africa Conference hosted by Lagos Continental Hotel ,Victoria Island , Lagos
Said he : “Africa’s hospitality story isn’t new. But the chapter we’re about to write together? That’s going to be different.” Indeed Africa’s future in hospitality won’t be built on borrowed models. It will be powered by our own people – retooled, reimagined, and ready to lead.
According to him., the need to build Africa’s future in hospitality is now more than ever for the continent then reap the growing growth trajectory in the industry .
” With the youngest population in the world, Africa has a unique opportunity to shape its own future in hospitality, rather than relying on outdated models. “We can’t afford to wait,” Karl Hala emphasized. ”
He noted that Africa with the youngest population in the world — yet many of our brightest minds are still queuing for jobs, or worse, queuing at embassies.”
Karl pointed out that for Africa to build a thriving hospitality industry, the continent needs to invest in talent, youth, and relevance.
He explained that this will entails bringing classrooms into hotels, rewarding curiosity over conformity, and investing in digital tools that speak to today’s digital-native youth.
“A cleaning supervisor in Kigali should be able to learn the same skills, on the same digital platform, as a hospitality trainee in Geneva,” Karl Hala noted. “That’s equality. That’s innovation.” he pointed out
The GGM averred that adopting this approach, Africa can create a truly innovative and globally competitive hospitality industry stressing The next global brand may not come from Las Vegas — but from Makurdi,”
Karl Hala said. “If we digitize boldly, train smartly, and promote fearlessly, Africa will not be the world’s hospitality workforce — it will be its hospitality compass.”
He submitted that as Africa’s hospitality industry continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential to recognize the importance of cultural strengths and unique traditions.
“We’ve got untapped brilliance: Nigerian cuisine, Ghanaian warmth, Kenyan precision, Rwandan elegance,” Hala highlighted. “But we must turn these into exportable standards, not just local charm.”
According to him ,by doing so Africa can create a hospitality industry that is not just a sector, but a solution that drives economic growth, employment, and soft power. “Hospitality in Africa is not just a sector — it’s a solution,” Hala emphasized. “So let’s rise. Let’s rethink. And let’s reimagine — together.”
With the right approach, Africa’s hospitality industry can become a major player on the global stage. “The time is not tomorrow. The time is now,” Hala urged. Let’s build an industry that is proud, innovative, and globally competitive.
As we move forward, it’s essential to recognize the potential of young professionals in the industry. “Let me say this clearly: Don’t wait to be chosen,” Karl Hala advised.
Said he : “Train hard. Think global. Act local. Lead with audacity. If no one’s opening the door — build your own entrance. You’re not the future. You’re the force of now.”
The hospitality guru explained that by empowering young professionals and investing in talent, Africa can create a thriving hospitality industry that is driven by innovation, technology, and a focus on local talent.
He summed that the future of hospitality in Africa is very bright, and it’s up to us – the people to shape it, retooled, reimagined and ready to lead.
