LEARNING BY DOING
A concept allowing to practice what learned in a real life environment
HOTEL SCHOOL CONCEPT
The African Hospitality School will be an integrated concept that will bring together an international standard, fully accredited by the government Hospitality education combined with a professional hotel operation and training facility in Africa. The hotel school will exploit the synergy between the two components of the Hospitality School and the Training Hotel. The hotel and its associated facilities which will be open to the public and will provide an ideal platform for the students enrolled at the School to practice their learning in a real world environment.
Vocational Education & Training
- real time learning experience
- learning by doing type of education
- Hands-on experience
The VET (Vocational Education & Training) by EHL programmes follow EHL’s philosophy of balancing theory and application. That means that you will be stimulated by the trainers to think and synthesize knowledge, all in real-life setting classrooms which allows you to apply the theoretical knowledge & hone your skills. Having the possibility to make mistakes in a safe but realistic environment, before entering the industry as graduates, allows you to grow and excel later in your career.
"A SWISS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE "
Τhe globally recognized tourism educational program VET by EHL offered for the 1st time in Africa by African Hospitality School. This concept develops professional talent with hands-on vocational competencies of the hospitality industry worldwide, by issuing certificates and diplomas based on the standards and practical competencies of the Swiss framework."
PROPOSED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The African Hospitality School will be a Social Enterprise and provide quality education within the hospitality sector. The facilities proposed at the African Hospitality School will include lecture theatres, classrooms, training kitchens, training restaurant, library, computer lab, IT infrastructure, and recreation facilities. In addition, the students and staff of the School will have access to the adjacent Hotel for practical training.
The key academic offerings will be:
• A medium term 18 month course in hotel operations for successful high school students who are looking to start their careers in the hospitality industry.
• A range of short professional courses for those looking to improve their skills and gain professional accreditation.
"Vocational training facilities such African Hospitality School can create a generation of job creators than job seekers right upon graduation."
PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
Advisory board
CHAIRWOMAN
Aradhana KHOWALA
Aradhana Khowala is a strategy specialist in travel and hospitality, diversity, inclusion and women’s health. A globally-acknowledged expert on travel, tourism and hospitality, she is a driving force lobbying vociferously for closing the gender gap in women’s health and wellness in the industry Khowala has a successful entrepreneurial career spanning 75+ countries over 23+ years. Today, she is the CEO of Aptamind Partners, a strategic consultancy, which combines hard data and decades of experience to advise governments, emerging destinations and public and private organisations on regenerative growth. Previously she was the Managing Director of Tourism at NEOM – the US$ 500 Billion land of the future purpose built for a sustainable and a new way of living in Saudi Arabia. An active board member, she has an impressive portfolio of non-executive board roles, currently serving as Chair of the Group Advisory Board of
Red Sea Global in Saudi Arabia, the developers behind the Red Sea, AMAALA giga projects apart from a host of other planned projects in Saudi Arabia.
Aradhana also serves as a Board Member and Chair of Nomination Committee of Elaf Group, the leisure arm of a sustainable listed holding company – SEDCO. In the past she has worked for Jones Lang LaSalle, covering UK, Benelux and Scandinavian markets, a Strategy Consulting practice in Europe and Asia as well as in Hospitality Operations in India.
She has won multiple awards and was featured amongst the 100 most powerful people in global hospitality and the 25 most influential women in hospitality in 2021, 2022 and 2023 by the International Hospitality Institute apart from being named an “Inspirational Game Changer” by the 21st Century Icon Awards by CNBC and the London School of Economics. Aradhana is a strong believer in and advocate for the fact that, when done right, tourism can be a force for positive change. Her mission is to continue to evangelize for using tourism as a force for good and to turbo charge the mission for gender equality as there is a significant link between the two. And while her vision for the future of tourism is ambitious, she is not afraid of the hard work or the tough conversations that are required to get there, whether that is talking about the gender gap in the Boardroom, getting to the bottom of what is turning the younger generation off a career in tourism, or developing metrics and tools to ensure businesses robustly measure their efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion through a first-of-its kind portal, FiveEightTen. An accomplished public speaker with dozens of keynote engagements every year, she has spoken about gender equality on the TEDX stage and hospitality’s ‘Great Resignation’ at the Future Hospitality Summit, as well as participating in global policy discussions at WEF, United Nations and the G20. One theme runs through all her work: radical change is needed to ensure a sustainable future for an industry that has huge potential for positive social and financial impact on communities around the world.
She has read at Cornell University in New York, Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland and INSEAD in France.
BOARD MEMBER
Michel HUGUENIN
Michel Huguenin is Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Expert in digital transformation of events from technology to production of a unique experience. Michel is a Alunmni of Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and holds an MBA with a speciality in International strategy. With over 25 years of experience in customer service combined wide experience in technology and innovation. Based on these skills and his personal background he helps corporates to think out of the box and find new ways of organizing their events, trainings, marketing activities. Planitswiss customers are from Health Care | Finance | Banking | IT | Engineering | Energy | Marketing | FMCG | Hospitality | Governments | and more. Passionate to surprise and create emotions accessible to everyone and he loves to use Technology & Innovation thriving to stimulate people’s curiosity.
His environment is a key source of energy and he has been working closely with Top Managers as well as VVIPs across my career.
BOARD MEMBER
Chef Coco REINARHZ
Chef Coco Reinarhz is a well-known professional Chef with over 20 years’ experience. He is graduate of the École Hôtelière de Namur in Belgium. The Reinarhz family history is a culinary love story dedicated to the fine flavour of Africa; cuisine is a family tradition! He has worked in various big cities across Africa and in Belgium at Château de Sombreffe as Head Chef. He was awarded the prestigious Trois Fourchette Michelin Award. Chef Coco was the owner of Le Petit Sel Bistro and Sel et Poivre in Sandton, Johannesburg. The African culinary renaissance can be tasted in every mouthful of Coco’s food. Award winner of American Express fine Dining Award for 8th consecutive year in South Africa. Chef Coco travels the African continent as a chef consultant and for his touch and contribution on developing the African food movement.
Member
Lane Silverman
Lane Silverman is financial professional with extensive international experience, both strategically and operationally, spanning diverse industries. With a comprehensive background, Lane has been closely involved in all aspects of business and commercial operations, including mergers and acquisitions. His expertise extends to capital markets, investor relations, and collaboration with rating and regulatory agencies.
Lane’s career has included the establishment of treasury departments and operational centers, encompassing the development of associated processes and procedures. He possesses a wealth of experience in risk management, particularly in foreign exchange and interest rate derivatives, as well as various commodities. Additionally, Lane boasts a deep understanding of international taxation and insurance matters.
Throughout his career, Lane has primarily served as a Group Treasurer, with a focus on funding and the operational facets of businesses spanning industries such as Banking, Distribution, Financial Services, Speciality Chemicals, Commodities, Food, and Tobacco. His extensive involvement in mergers and acquisitions and his proficiency in capital market activities, including bond issuances, syndicated loans, securitizations, and other structured financing, underscore his impressive financial acumen.
Lane Silvermann’s appointment to the board of African Hospitality School (AHS) represents a significant infusion of expertise that will greatly benefit AHS. His illustrious career as a seasoned financial professional, characterized by extensive international experience and a comprehensive understanding of diverse industries, is set to elevate AHS’s strategic and operational capabilities.
BOARD MEMBER
Michel HUGUENIN
Michel Huguenin is Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Expert in digital transformation of events from technology to production of a unique experience. Michel is a Alunmni of Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne and holds an MBA with a speciality in International strategy. With over 25 years of experience in customer service combined wide experience in technology and innovation. Based on these skills and his personal background he helps corporates to think out of the box and find new ways of organizing their events, trainings, marketing activities. Planitswiss customers are from Health Care | Finance | Banking | IT | Engineering | Energy | Marketing | FMCG | Hospitality | Governments | and more. Passionate to surprise and create emotions accessible to everyone and he loves to use Technology & Innovation thriving to stimulate people’s curiosity.
His environment is a key source of energy and he has been working closely with Top Managers as well as VVIPs across my career.
BOARD MEMBER
Chef Coco REINARHZ
Chef Coco Reinarhz is a well-known professional Chef with over 20 years’ experience. He is graduate of the École Hôtelière de Namur in Belgium. The Reinarhz family history is a culinary love story dedicated to the fine flavour of Africa; cuisine is a family tradition! He has worked in various big cities across Africa and in Belgium at Château de Sombreffe as Head Chef. He was awarded the prestigious Trois Fourchette Michelin Award. Chef Coco was the owner of Le Petit Sel Bistro and Sel et Poivre in Sandton, Johannesburg. The African culinary renaissance can be tasted in every mouthful of Coco’s food. Award winner of American Express fine Dining Award for 8th consecutive year in South Africa. Chef Coco travels the African continent as a chef consultant and for his touch and contribution on developing the African food movement.
Executive team
FOUNDER
Alain-Claude NKURUNZIZA
Founder and CEO, Hospitality expert and project manager, based in Geneva, Switzerland and Kigali, Rwanda. He is a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). He has more than 15 years of experience mainly in implementing standard and quality procedures in Africa in hotel industry. He has experience on 3 continents North America, Europe, Africa for Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, Mandarin Oriental Geneva to name few. Alain-Claude is also the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Swiss Rwanda, an organization that promotes investment in Rwanda, founder of African Hospitality School to be, a hotel school in Kigali and a Consultancy firm that provides services in the hospitality in Africa.
SENIOR CONSULTANT – EAST AFRICA
Olivier BAERMANN
He boasts a distinguished background in upscale hospitality, nurtured from an early age as his father served as a celebrated chef in a 5-star Lausanne hotel. Over 24 years, he helmed the family’s Michelin-starred restaurant, inheriting humility and practical professionalism. Currently, Baermann leads the transformation of a Boutique Hotel in Bujumbura, Burundi, featuring a unique rooftop restaurant, bar, and upcoming café and night club. Recognizing the local demand for education and training, he envisions a prosperous future for African hospitality. His focus lies in elevating local produce, marrying it with innovative concepts, while simultaneously raising hospitality standards across all aspects.
partnerships manager
Tigist HABTEMARIAM
A professional with 14 years of extensive expertise in Marketing, Sales, and Event Organization within the Ethiopian context. Her career spans diverse industries, including hospitality, FMCG, airline, and IT sectors. As the Founder and Managing Director of Tsedal Events, renowned for « Creating Unforgettable Experiences, » Tigist’s acumen lies at the intersection of superior customer relations and creative excellence. Her profound dedication to customer satisfaction is a hallmark of her approach.
head of academics
Talal ATTURKHAN
A successful and highly professional Consultant, cumulates more than 40 years of experience in Talent Leadership and Managerial Development gained throughout his extensive career in wide range of industries – Hospitality, Retail, Education, Aviation and Health. His tenure in the Hospitality Industry has led him to acquire valuable insight in Hotel Business Excellence and delivering Luxury Attitude programs to enhance employees’ engagement towards achieving guest delights. Presently Director of TRY- Talent, Result and You he is putting his skills and acquired competencies in bringing organization to a next level of peoples’ engagement through accompanying them all the way from auditing behavioral standards and promoting relevant transformations.
PARTNER - T&R (T and R Solutions)
Rishiraj A. NAGADOO
A professional with over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry with focus on Sales athend Distribution, Regulatory framework and Product Development. Rishi has spent many years Coaching and Training people, developing and getting the best out of those around him. Training and coaching being close to his heart, he has partnered with firms locally and internationally to provide Middle Management and Customer Relationship training to international hotel chains, with banks and insurance companies lined up as clients as well. He has been involved in managing projects to carry out audits for clients on the level of Customer Service & Sales effectiveness along with Process efficiency within their organization.
consultant - republic of congo
Rolly MPASSI
A Consultant specialized in recruitment, training and consulting in the hospitality and catering industry based in Republic of Congo and France. He’s CEO of PMS Consulting & Management and Business provider and project manager. He graduated from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). With more than 15 years of combined fieldwork in luxury hotels and human resources experiences in different countries like France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Republic Of Congo ; and worked for companies like Mercure, Sofitel, Hyatt Regency London Chuchill, La cour des Augustins in Geneva to name few. He is the founder and president of the AHRC « Congolese Hotelier and catering Association » aiming to promote hospitality, catering and tourism development in Republic of Congo but also in Africa.
PARTNER - Ethiopia
Solomon TESERRA
Solomon Teserra is an experienced professional in Quality Assurance Inspector in the medical device and watch industry. He holds an MBA from Robert Kennedy College. A seasonned entrepreneur in Restaurant business based in Geneva, Switzerland and Ethiopia.
consultant - Ethiopia
Afework YOHANNES
Afework Yohannes has MBA from Liverpool University and has 37 years of experience in the promotion of SMEs. Before he started his own management consulting company, he accumulated a rich experience both in the government and international organizations at managerial levels in areas of giving solutions for problems related to production, marketing, and finance for small businesses and handicrafts operators; promoting entrepreneurship through skills training, saving and credit scheme, entrepreneurship training and low-cost housing schemes. Since 1998 he established his own consulting company and has been working as a principal consultant in business management and private sector development. Specifically, his track records indicated his competence in business management training, advisory services around export competitiveness, supply chain management, value chain development, entrepreneurship development, and business strategies. Moreover, he is a well-reputed training manual developer and trainer with adult training methodology. Afework is networked with strong international associations such as ValueLinks International and CEFE International. He is currently the president of the Ethiopian Business Advisory Service Providers Association (EBASPA).
Jeff GASANA
is a Rwandan entrepreneur and investor in mobile technology industry. Jeff is the Co-founder and CEO of COMZAFRICA LTD, an East African IT Company specialized in micro loan on mobile phones. Comzafrica has more than 150M subscribers in 24 countries in Africa, Middle East and South Asia and have achieved a turnover of 500M USD/year in the last 3 years. Comzafrica has become one of the largest FINTECH Company in Africa. Jeff Gasana has received International awards including the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Award (UNECA-TIGA AWARD) for the effective use of ICTs for public services delivery to citizens contributing to the development of the Information Society on the continent.
consultant - Mauritania
Sidi ABDOULLAH OULD AHMED
Sidi Abdoullah Ould Ahmed Vall is Swiss-Mauritanian professor at the University of Lausanne, expert and project manager, based in Lausanne, Switzerland and Nouakcho, Mauritania. He graduated from the Sorbonne (MBA – Business management). He is in charge of the promotion and development of the concept in West Africa.
Consultant - guinée
Thierno BARRY
Graduated from the Institute of Advanced International Studies in Geneva (HEID)
Social Policy Economist
Geneva socialist municipal councilor
President of the Association of Guineans of Geneva and neighboring France
Executive team
Founder
is the founder and CEO, Hospitality expert and project manager, based in Geneva, Switzerland and Kigali, Rwanda. He is a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). He has more than 15 years of experience mainly in implementing standard and quality procedures in Africa in hotel industry. He has experience on 3 continents North America, Europe, Africa for Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, Mandarin Oriental Geneva to name few. Alain-Claude is also the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Swiss Rwanda, an organization that promotes investment in Rwanda, founder of African Hospitality School to be, a hotel school in Kigali and a Consultancy firm that provides services in the hospitality in Africa.
Alain-Claude NKURUNZIZA
Roly MPASSI
is a Consultant specialized in recruitment, training and consulting in the hospitality and catering industry based in Republic of Congo and France. He’s CEO of PMS Consulting & Management and Business provider and project manager. He graduated from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). With more than 15 years of combined fieldwork in luxury hotels and human resources experiences in different countries like France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Republic Of Congo ; and worked for companies like Mercure, Sofitel, Hyatt Regency London Chuchill, La cour des Augustins in Geneva to name few. He is the founder and president of the AHRC « Congolese Hotelier and catering Association » aiming to promote hospitality, catering and tourism development in Republic of Congo but also in Africa.
John NTAHEMUKA
Johnn Ntahemuka is a professional hotelier who holds a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality with Marketing. He is a graduate of Les Roches Hospitality School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and has more than fifteen years of experience in the Hospitality industry, most of them being Director of Hospitality in the Office of the President. His expertise is in Food and Beverage department. John is now an Assistant-lecturer in Hotel and Restaurant Management at UTB and a part-time consultant/trainer of Food and Beverage Service with IBT (Industry-Based Trainings), a WDA project, as well as a qualified EAC Hotel and Restaurant Assessor
FOUNDER
Alain-Claude NKURUNZIZA
is the founder and CEO, Hospitality expert and project manager, based in Geneva, Switzerland and Kigali, Rwanda. He is a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). He has more than 15 years of experience mainly in implementing standard and quality procedures in Africa in hotel industry. He has experience on 3 continents North America, Europe, Africa for Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, Mandarin Oriental Geneva to name few. Alain-Claude is also the Chairman of the Young Rwandan Professionals of Europe, an organization that promotes investment in Rwanda, Co-founder of African Hospitality School to be, a hotel school in Kigali and a Consultancy firm that provides services in the hospitality in Africa.
Roly MPASSI
is a Consultant specialized in recruitment, training and consulting in the hospitality and catering industry based in Republic of Congo and France. He’s CEO of PMS Consulting & Management and Business provider and project manager. He graduated from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). With more than 15 years of combined fieldwork in luxury hotels and human resources experiences in different countries like France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Republic Of Congo ; and worked for companies like Mercure, Sofitel, Hyatt Regency London Chuchill, La cour des Augustins in Geneva to name few. He is the founder and president of the AHRC « Congolese Hotelier and catering Association » aiming to promote hospitality, catering and tourism development in Republic of Congo but also in Africa.
John NTAHEMUKA
is a professional hotelier who holds a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality with Marketing. He is a graduate of Les Roches Hospitality School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and has more than fifteen years of experience in the Hospitality industry, most of them being Director of Hospitality in the Office of the President. His expertise is in Food and Beverage department. John is now an Assistant-lecturer in Hotel and Restaurant Management at UTB and a part-time consultant/trainer of Food and Beverage Service with IBT (Industry-Based Trainings), a WDA project, as well as a qualified EAC Hotel and Restaurant Assessor.
Fabiola Kanyange AHATRI
is a Hospitality, Events & Training Expert with over 10 years of experience in an international environment. Over the past 8 years Fabiola has been working for the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), managing the coordination of Senior Executives Education Programs and Special Projects. She is a graduate of the Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne and she is currently pursuiing a Masters in Events Management at Falmouth University, UK. She is also the Vice-Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Swiss Rwanda.
FOUNDER
Alain-Claude NKURUNZIZA
is the founder and CEO, Hospitality expert and project manager, based in Geneva, Switzerland and Kigali, Rwanda. He is a graduate of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). He has more than 15 years of experience mainly in implementing standard and quality procedures in Africa in hotel industry. He has experience on 3 continents North America, Europe, Africa for Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, Mandarin Oriental Geneva to name few. Alain-Claude is also the Chairman of the Young Rwandan Professionals of Europe, an organization that promotes investment in Rwanda, Co-founder of African Hospitality School to be, a hotel school in Kigali and a Consultancy firm that provides services in the hospitality in Africa.
Roly MPASSI
is a Consultant specialized in recruitment, training and consulting in the hospitality and catering industry based in Republic of Congo and France. He’s CEO of PMS Consulting & Management and Business provider and project manager. He graduated from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). With more than 15 years of combined fieldwork in luxury hotels and human resources experiences in different countries like France, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Republic Of Congo ; and worked for companies like Mercure, Sofitel, Hyatt Regency London Chuchill, La cour des Augustins in Geneva to name few. He is the founder and president of the AHRC « Congolese Hotelier and catering Association » aiming to promote hospitality, catering and tourism development in Republic of Congo but also in Africa.
John NTAHEMUKA
is a professional hotelier who holds a Master of Business Administration in Hospitality with Marketing. He is a graduate of Les Roches Hospitality School of Hotel Management in Switzerland and has more than fifteen years of experience in the Hospitality industry, most of them being Director of Hospitality in the Office of the President. His expertise is in Food and Beverage department. John is now an Assistant-lecturer in Hotel and Restaurant Management at UTB and a part-time consultant/trainer of Food and Beverage Service with IBT (Industry-Based Trainings), a WDA project, as well as a qualified EAC Hotel and Restaurant Assessor.