Sommet Education acquires majority stake in SA’s Invictus Education

Swiss-based Sommet Education has made a strategic move by acquiring a majority stake in South Africa's Invictus Education. Sommet Education, a global leader in higher education focusing on hospitality and culinary arts schools, aims to accelerate their development plans in Africa through this acquisition. Benoît-Etienne Domenget, the CEO of Sommet Education, discussed the value of the deal and the exciting prospects it brings. Sommet Education, with a rich history spanning 60 years and presence in five countries with nine campuses, is poised to harness the potential of the African market. Invictus Education, founded 25 years ago, has achieved remarkable success by educating over 30,000 students in various fields such as gaming, corporate training, and creative media. The synergy between Sommet Education and Invictus Education is expected to create a strong alliance for future growth and innovation in the hospitality industry. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the deal between Sommet Education and Invictus Education presents promising immediate prospects for the continent, particularly in South Africa where economic struggles have been exacerbated by the pandemic. With a job-ready academic model that boasts a 93% employment rate post-graduation, Invictus Education exemplifies resilience and quality in the education sector. Domenget highlighted historical trends in the hospitality industry, showing its ability to rebound swiftly after crises, instilling confidence in the long-term viability of the sector. As the world witnesses a fast rebound in Asia and an increase in hotel construction globally, the future of the hospitality industry appears bright and rife with opportunities. Sommet Education's expansion plans in Africa are ambitious, with the aim to establish 20 campuses across the continent in the next five years. The first step in this journey is the upcoming opening of a campus in Benoni, with plans for additional campuses in South Africa and Kenya on the horizon. The CEO emphasized the company's dedication to supporting the management team at Invictus Education and their commitment to further expanding their network in Africa. With a clear vision for growth and a focus on quality education, Sommet Education is set to make a significant mark in the African education landscape.