The First Group Hospitality has partnered with MIDROC Investment Group to develop and operate a portfolio of 10 hotels across Ethiopia, marking a significant expansion of internationally branded hospitality in the East African market.
The agreement was signed during the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Nairobi and outlines a multi-year rollout of properties across key destinations nationwide.
Multi-City Pipeline Across Ethiopia
The portfolio will include a mix of independent and Marriott International-branded franchised hotels located in major urban and gateway destinations. Planned locations include Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Bahir Dar, Jimma, Langano, and Danbi.
In total, the developments are expected to deliver approximately 1,140 keys, with openings scheduled in phases between 2026 and 2031.
The agreement reflects growing investor confidence in Ethiopia’s hospitality sector, supported by increasing tourism activity and ongoing infrastructure development.
Strategic Expansion and Local Partnership
For The First Group Hospitality, the deal supports its strategy to expand its third-party and white-label management platform across Africa.
MIDROC Investment Group, headquartered in Addis Ababa, will leverage the partnership to further grow its hospitality portfolio within Ethiopia, building on its longstanding presence in the sector.
David Thomson, Senior Vice President of Development at The First Group Hospitality, described Ethiopia as a compelling growth market in East Africa, highlighting the opportunity to establish a strong local footprint alongside an experienced domestic partner while delivering high-performing assets.
Solomon Zewdu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MIDROC Hospitality, emphasized the shared vision to drive sustainable tourism growth, while also supporting local talent development and showcasing Ethiopia’s cultural heritage through authentic hospitality experiences. He added that strong long-term demand is expected across both business and leisure segments.
Building on Recent Momentum
The announcement follows a series of recent initiatives by The First Group Hospitality, including the launch of Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG, and new franchise agreements with major global operators.
Together, these developments underline the company’s continued international expansion and its focus on creating scalable, high-value hospitality platforms in emerging markets.
