Human capital development and digital transformation in Africa’s hospitality industry is the thrust for the oncoming Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) 2026 edition.

According to the organisers, HMCA 2026 will bring together hotel owners, managers, investors, service providers and other stakeholders from across Africa.

The event which is billed to hold on July 11 and 12 at the Grand African Ballroom of Lagos Continental Hotel will address issues around the hospitality sector and proffer practical and effective solutions.

Convener of HMCA, Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday, described this year’s edition as a new phase for the platform. He said the conference completed an important cycle with its seventh edition last year and is entering what he called a new beginning.

He said: “HMCA was created as a platform where hospitality professionals can exchange ideas, examine industry challenges and develop practical solutions. One of the major concerns in the sector remains human capital development and this year’s conference will address that among other issues.”

The Managing Director, Sheraton Hotel, Martin Bradenoord, said, “The sector must prepare for future challenges, especially in talent development, youth training and improving professional standards.”

Bradenoord also noted that a stronger partnership between hotels, training institutions and business leaders is important to strengthening the hospitality industry across the region.

Financial technology company OPay was announced as headline sponsor of the conference. The brand’s representative Chukwudimma Ezembamalu said Nigeria’s hospitality industry is approaching an important moment of change, noting that travellers now arrive in Nigeria with expectations shaped by their experiences in global destinations such as Dubai, London and Singapore.

“This is why OPay is positioning itself as a long-term partner for the hospitality industry and would make a major announcement for hotel businesses during the conference. We are not coming as a vendor. We are coming as a partner,” he said.

Ezembamalu added that Africa’s hospitality future will be shaped by digital infrastructure that makes payments, bookings and customer experience easier for operators and guests.

Other Sponsors of the 2026 edition include Lagos Continental Hotel, Radisson Hotel Group, Nigerian Bottling Company, Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Staycore, Presken Hotels, Elomaz Hotel, Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Hotelinn, Ogeyi Place Hotel, Huawei, Glocient, Black Diamond Hotel, Eko Hotels & Suites, Kots Catering, Monty Suites, Tojum Hospitality, Hotel Managers School, Folawale Services Consult and Old English Bar and Grills.