The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Africa has named Zimbabwe’s Vimbai Masiyiwa and Colin Bell of South Africa as its 2026 award honourees, spotlighting the growing influence of African‑owned, conservation‑focused safari brands in driving tourism investment and community development across the continent.

Masiyiwa, co‑founder and chief executive of Batoka Africa, will receive the Leadership Award, while Bell, chief executive of Natural Selection and former head of Wilderness, will be recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality.

The FHS Africa Awards will be presented at the summit in Nairobi from 31 March to 1 April, according to African Press Agency.

FHS organisers said the recognition reflects a broader shift in African tourism where homegrown brands are increasingly leading investment, shaping conservation policy and redefining hospitality’s role in rural development.

“Both have redefined what leadership in African hospitality looks like – purpose-driven, commercially astute and deeply committed to community and conservation,” said Matthew Weihs, growth director at The Bench, organisers of the event.

Masiyiwa has emerged as a leading figure in African‑led hospitality, building a portfolio of luxury safari properties in Zimbabwe rooted in conservation, sustainability and community empowerment.

Batoka Africa has championed responsible tourism models that protect biodiversity while creating local economic opportunities and Masiyiwa has been credited with advancing gender inclusion and positioning African‑owned brands on the global stage.

Bell is widely regarded as a pioneer of conservation tourism.

Through his work at Natural Selection and Wilderness, he has helped shape high‑end safari experiences that channel revenue into wildlife protection and community partnerships.

His efforts have expanded conservation‑driven tourism across southern Africa and established the region as a benchmark for sustainable luxury travel.

The 2026 summit will bring together investors, operators and policymakers for two days of discussions and networking, with Masiyiwa and Bell set to share insights on their leadership journeys and the evolution of conservation‑based tourism in Africa.