The hospitality sector in Africa is experiencing a significant surge, according to this year’s Hotel Development Pipeline Report by Lagos-based W Hospitality Group. The report offers an in-depth analysis of international hospitality development projects, and it highlights an impressive growth of 13.3% compared to 2024.
With a 23% year-on-year increase compared to a 6% increase in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa has seen significant development. Over the past five years alone, the hotel development pipeline has grown at an annual rate of 4% in sub-Saharan Africa, 12% in North Africa, and 7% overall.
Egypt leads Africa’s hospitality development surge
Egypt is currently at the forefront of hotel development in Africa, with 133 hotels and 33,926 rooms in the pipeline—nearly four times the number of rooms planned in Morocco, which currently holds second place. Several other countries also show strong activity and growth in hotel development, including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cape Verde, Kenya, Tunisia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Ghana. Overall, international hotel chains have signed agreements in 42 of Africa’s 54 countries.
Multiple global chains are behind the expansion
A deeper look into the data shows that Cairo is leading the charge, with more than 17,757 new rooms scheduled to open across over 70 hotels. This growth is being driven by major global chains, with Marriott International spearheading the expansion. The company has 165 hotels and 29,639 rooms under development.
Other prominent chains contributing to Africa’s hotel pipeline include Hilton, Accor, IHG, Radisson Hotel Group, TUI Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, The Ascott, Kerten Hospitality, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
Key trends driving development
Three major trends stand out behind this wave of growth:
- The rate of hotel openings has nearly doubled, jumping from 21% in 2023 to 38% in 2024, reflecting a stark recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact.
- Resort projects are increasing faster than city or airport hotels in percentage terms and absolute numbers.
- There is a clear shift by chains toward the franchise model, as global brands increasingly rely on quality international white-label operators to expand their footprint across diverse markets.
Africa’s hotel boom shows no signs of slowing down. As development accelerates across key markets, the continent is positioning itself to become a major player in the global hospitality industry.
