Transforming Congo: Hospitality, Investment, and Opportunity with CHIC

In this episode, we sit down with Khalil Manji, CEO of CHIC, to explore the future of hospitality investment across Africa — with a particular focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and other emerging markets. Khalil shares insights into why destinations like the DRC are becoming increasingly attractive to investors, the challenges of pioneering in untapped regions, and how strategic partnerships and local knowledge are critical for success. He also discusses the broader trends shaping Africa’s hospitality landscape, the evolving role of private capital, and what opportunities he sees on the horizon. We dive into why secondary cities are becoming prime targets for development, and what lessons can be learned from early movers into less traditional markets. Khalil also reflects on what he’s most looking forward to at FHS Africa 2025, and why he believes the next big wave of investment will come from those willing to look beyond the usual hotspots.