Africa’s hospitality sector is entering a period of accelerated growth as international hotel chains expand across the continent, supported by a record development pipeline and rising investor interest.
Hilton and Marriott, two of the world’s largest operators, have announced ambitious plans to strengthen their African footprint at a time when new projects are concentrated in markets such as Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa.
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Hilton and Marriott set aggressive growth targets
Hilton has confirmed it will triple its presence in Africa, taking its portfolio to more than 160 hotels by adding over 100 properties across several markets.
Marriott International has also outlined its strategy to add more than 50 hotels and around 9,000 rooms to its African network by 2027.
Both companies are focusing on a mix of business and leisure destinations, reflecting growing confidence in the region’s long-term demand for branded accommodation.
Africa’s hotel pipeline reaches record levels
As of August 2025, industry analysts reported 577 hotels under development across Africa, representing more than 104,000 rooms.
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By GlobalDataEgypt leads the pipeline with a significant share of projects, while West and East Africa are also attracting strong development interest.
The expansion reflects a wider push by global brands to tap into markets with expanding middle classes, increased air connectivity, and rising domestic and international tourism demand.
Challenges behind the growth story
While the scale of development signals optimism, industry observers caution that not all projects in the pipeline will be delivered on schedule.
Delays linked to financing, regulatory hurdles and infrastructure gaps remain common in parts of the continent. Analysts also note a concentration of projects in North Africa, with fewer large-scale investments materialising in secondary cities and rural regions.
The challenge for global hotel groups will be balancing ambitious growth targets with the practical realities of execution.
Africa’s emergence as a key growth frontier underscores the continent’s strategic importance to the global hospitality industry.
With international operators competing for market share, the coming years will test whether current commitments can be translated into operational hotels that meet the rising expectations of travellers and investors alike.
