As consumer markets in Africa develop, in line with the growing middle-class across the continent, what are the brands that are enjoying most success? What are they doing right, and what are the lessons for our industry? Victor Kgomoeswana is a broadcaster, branding and business expert on Africa, and the author of Africa is Open for Business. He will address current consumer trends across the continent, and offer a personal view on the future for business in key African countries.

At a challenging time for business in the region, amid low oil prices and sluggish growth, what are the factors that will shape the business, economic and travel environment in the Middle East over the years to come? This session will feature an exclusive report for the MEADFA Conference compiled by EMIR (Emerging Markets Intelligence & Research) Senior Analysts Samir Sweida-Metwally and Gary McFarlane, including data and insights on growth projections, consumer spending, government and corporate strategies and other key issues and trends.

This session of the MEADFA Conference will put the spotlight on innovation and initiatives that are creating excitement in the regional duty free & travel retail industry, and engaging travellers in new and imaginative ways. Among the initiatives featured will be a new, app-led pre-order service soon to be launched by Beirut Duty Free in partnership with Inflyter; a ground-breaking campaign by Dufry in support of the UN’s sustainability goals; plus ways in which Philip Morris International and others in the tobacco sector are helping to safeguard the sector’s future.

The customer profile in the Middle East is more diverse than ever, as travel to and from markets such as Iran and Indonesia becomes more accessible. In this session Counter Intelligence Research Director Stephen Hillam will present an exclusive new study for MEADFA, including details on key travelling nationalities in the Middle East, spending levels, purchase drivers and rates of footfall and conversion. Based on direct interviews with recent travellers, the study will offer a complete picture of retail behaviour and perceptions among today’s travelling consumers in the Middle East.

The ambition of state-run airport authority Oman Airports is to create world-class new facilities at the two main gateways to the country, Muscat and Salalah. The New Muscat International Airport, in particular, is among the region’s most exciting new aviation projects. Oman Airport Management Company Non-Aeronautical Senior Manager Faisal Sultan Salim Al Mamari will reveal commercial plans for the new hub, and discuss how both Muscat and Salalah will cater for a new influx of visitors to Oman.