The company’s participation once again placed it at the centre of conversations around skills development, sustainability, and workforce readiness in Africa’s rapidly evolving hospitality and tourism industry.
As part of its continued collaboration with the annual forum, NBC—alongside Schweppes—co-sponsored the Bartender Academy, a targeted training and talent development programme designed to equip emerging hospitality professionals with hands-on industry skills, mentorship opportunities, and entrepreneurial exposure.
The initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between training and employment in the hospitality sector, while also nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals capable of competing in a growing service-driven economy.
A key highlight of the forum was a keynote presentation delivered by Dr Soromidayo George, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Nigerian Bottling Company, titled “Driving Sustainable Value Chains: Corporate Leadership in Africa’s Hospitality Future.”
In her address, Dr George underscored the increasing importance of resilient value chains, local supplier development, and long-term business sustainability as critical pillars for the future of Africa’s hospitality sector.
She emphasised that corporate leadership must go beyond profit generation to include deliberate investments in sustainability, supplier ecosystems, and workforce development that can strengthen industry competitiveness over time.
Drawing from global hospitality trends, the keynote further highlighted how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are becoming central to long-term resilience and growth across the sector, particularly in emerging markets where youth unemployment remains a pressing concern.
NBC’s engagement at the forum also reflects broader industry data. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel and tourism continues to be a major contributor to employment and economic expansion across Africa, with significant opportunities for young people and small businesses.
Through its involvement in IHTEF 2026, NBC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, and economic inclusion, particularly among young Nigerians seeking pathways into the hospitality and service industries.
The company noted that its long-term strategy remains focused on building sustainable partnerships that not only strengthen industry capacity but also contribute to broader socio-economic development across the region.