Africa’s hospitality leaders are set to converge in Lagos this July as the 2026 edition of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) places workforce development and digital innovation at the centre of discussions shaping the sector’s future.
The two-day conference will hold on July 11 and 12 at the Grand African Ballroom of Lagos Continental Hotel, bringing together hotel executives, investors, operators, technology providers and industry decision-makers from across the continent.
Organisers say this year’s event will focus on strengthening operational standards, addressing workforce shortages and accelerating technology adoption across Africa’s hospitality ecosystem.
Convener of the conference, Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday, described the upcoming edition as a major transition point for the platform following the completion of its first seven-year growth cycle.
He explained that the conference was established to create a practical forum where hospitality professionals could tackle pressing operational challenges, exchange industry knowledge and identify workable solutions for sustainable growth.
A major concern expected to dominate conversations is the industry’s human capital gap, with stakeholders increasingly calling for stronger investment in workforce training, leadership development and professional standards.
Managing Director of Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Martin Bradenoord, stressed the need for hospitality businesses to prepare for long-term shifts in talent requirements and service expectations.
He noted that stronger collaboration between hotels, training institutions and private-sector leaders would be critical to building a more resilient hospitality workforce across Africa.
Digital payments and guest-experience technology are also expected to feature prominently at the conference, with fintech giant OPay announced as headline sponsor.
Representing the company, Chukwudimma Ezembamalu said Nigeria’s hospitality sector is entering a period of transformation as customer expectations become increasingly shaped by global travel standards seen in major cities such as Dubai, London and Singapore.
He disclosed that OPay plans to unveil a significant hospitality-focused solution during the conference, positioning the company as a strategic long-term technology partner rather than simply a service vendor.
According to him, the future of hospitality in Africa will depend heavily on digital systems that simplify reservations, streamline transactions and enhance guest experiences.
The conference has also attracted support from major hospitality and corporate brands including Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Eko Hotels & Suites, Huawei, and Nigerian Bottling Company.
Industry analysts view HMCA 2026 as an important platform for setting new operational benchmarks as African hospitality businesses adapt to evolving consumer behaviour, digital disruption and increasing competition in regional tourism markets.
